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2012 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 460
Commending Kenneth S. Watts.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2012
Agreed to by the Senate, March 7, 2012

 

WHEREAS, Kenneth S. Watts, who faithfully served the residents of the Town of Amherst as police chief for nearly two decades, retired on June 1, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of the Town of Amherst, Kenneth Watts began volunteering with the Amherst Rescue Squad and Amherst Fire Department as a young man, becoming captain of the rescue squad at the young age of 19; and

WHEREAS, as captain, Kenneth Watts had the opportunity to spend time with local law-enforcement officers, many of whom served as mentors and encouraged him to join the police department; and

WHEREAS, in 1978 Kenneth Watts joined the Amherst Police Department and attended the Seventh Basic Law Enforcement Officer School at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy in the fall of the same year; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated officer, Kenneth Watts earned the respect of his colleagues as he worked diligently to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and ensure a safe environment for the residents of the Town of Amherst; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Watts rose through the ranks, becoming the police department’s first investigator, then assistant chief of police before being named chief of police in 1992; and

WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished law-enforcement career, Kenneth Watts continued to enhance his skills and knowledge through special courses to better serve local residents and encouraged his officers to do the same; and

WHEREAS, appointed to the regional homicide squad, Chief Watts played a pivotal role in the successful investigation and clearing of area homicides while working alongside other law-enforcement professionals; and

WHEREAS, an exemplary administrator, Chief Watts left behind a police department well-positioned to continue to serve and protect the residents of Amherst County in the future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Kenneth S. Watts on the occasion of his retirement as Chief of Police of Amherst County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kenneth S. Watts as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and respect for his commitment to public safety.