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2011 SESSION

11104051D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 422
Offered February 2, 2011
Celebrating the life of David J. Edwards, Sr.
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Patrons-- Reynolds; Delegates: Armstrong, Marshall, D.W. and Merricks
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Unanimous consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, David J. Edwards, Sr., a dedicated public servant and retired chief of the Martinsville Police Department, died on January 1, 2011; and

WHEREAS, one of seven children, David Edwards was born on May 29, 1945, to Thelma Daniel and Reuben F. Edwards; and

WHEREAS, David Edwards was devoted to Betty, his wife of 44 years, and the proud father of his son and daughter, David and Denise; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Bassett High School, David Edwards received a bachelor’s degree from Averett College and a master’s degree from Radford University; and

WHEREAS, always holding himself to the highest standards of personal performance, David Edwards was a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy at Quantico; and

WHEREAS, sworn to serve and protect the public, David Edwards joined the Martinsville Police Department in 1973; and

WHEREAS, David Edwards exhibited drive and a talent for leadership, worked his way through the ranks of the Martinsville Police Department, and was promoted to Chief of Police in 1996; and

WHEREAS, requiring that his officers match his level of dedication, David Edwards committed the full force of his energies to protecting the populace of Martinsville through traditional and specialized patrol units including the street crimes, motorcycle, K9, and mounted patrol units; and

WHEREAS, a tireless advocate for his department, David Edwards guided the Martinsville Police Department through the state accreditation process, lobbied for competitive officer salaries, and secured funding for technology and equipment upgrades for police vehicles; and

WHEREAS, an adjunct professor and founder of the Criminal Justice Program at Patrick Henry Community College, David Edwards encouraged his officers to pursue higher education; and

WHEREAS, David Edwards retired from the Martinsville Police Department on September 30, 1999, after more than 25 years with the department, and served as the interim police chief in Vinton from 1999–2000; and

WHEREAS, fondly remembered by his wife, Betty; his children, David and Denise; and his friends and family, David Edwards was greatly respected by the people of Martinsville and the many police officers who served with him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of David J. Edwards, Sr., dedicated public servant and retired Chief of the Martinsville Police Department; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of David J. Edwards, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.