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2012 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 373
Celebrating the life of Frederick J. Robinson, Sr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 17, 2012
Agreed to by the Senate, February 23, 2012

 

WHEREAS, Frederick J. Robinson, Sr., who broke barriers while he battled fires as one of the City of Richmond’s first black firefighters, died on January 19, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a native of Richmond, Frederick Robinson graduated from Armstrong High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II; and

WHEREAS, following his distinguished military service, Frederick Robinson returned to his hometown, and went to work for the City’s Public Works Department as a refuse collector; and

WHEREAS, in 1950 Frederick Robinson joined the City of Richmond’s fire department as the City hired its first black firefighters, becoming part of Engine Company No. 9 at Fifth and Duval Streets; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Robinson took great pride in being of service to the City and proved himself to be an excellent fireman as he responded to calls and battled fires, received advanced training, and assisted his fellow firefighters; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Robinson served as a valued member of the City of Richmond’s fire department for three decades and saw many changes to the department and changes in technology and firefighting strategies over the years; and

WHEREAS, a groundbreaking member of the City of Richmond’s fire department, Frederick Robinson persevered in pursuing his dream of being a firefighter and, by the time of his retirement, had witnessed the City’s first black fire chief assume office; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Robinson also took an active role in community affairs, serving as president of the Oakwood-Chimborazo Civic Association, chair of the J. Fulmer Bright Memorial Foundation board, and longtime board member of the Greater Richmond Transit Company; and

WHEREAS, a pioneering firefighter, Frederick Robinson faithfully served the residents of the City of Richmond while helping open the door of opportunity for all who desired to be a part of the City’s proud firefighting tradition; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Willietta, and son, Leroy, Frederick Robinson will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Frederick, Jr., William, Brenda, Edwina, and Nancy, and their families, and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a dedicated firefighter, Frederick J. Robinson, Sr.; and, be it

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