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2013 SESSION

13100448D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 589
Offered April 3, 2013
Prefiled January 3, 2013
Commending Sheriff Elizabeth F. Arthur.
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Patrons-- Hope, Albo, Anderson, Brink, Carr, Cox, M.K., Dance, Dudenhefer, Helsel, Hodges, Howell, W.J., Keam, Kory, Krupicka, Lingamfelter, Lopez, Minchew, Morrissey, O'Bannon, Plum, Purkey, Scott, J.M., Stolle, Surovell, Tyler, Ware, O., Watts and Webert; Senators: Alexander, Edwards, Favola, Garrett, Herring, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, Martin, Petersen, Puckett, Stanley, Stuart, Vogel and Wagner
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WHEREAS, Sheriff Elizabeth F. Arthur, the sheriff of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, has been selected by her peers as the first female president of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Elizabeth “Beth” Arthur joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office in 1986 as a budget analyst; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, Beth Arthur was promoted to director of administration and oversaw the recruiting, hiring, and training of staff; served as the public information officer; managed a budget of $19.4 million; and implemented a comprehensive emergency response plan; and

WHEREAS, appointed sheriff in July of 2000, Beth Arthur won election in November of that year and has continued to earn the trust and confidence of Arlington County residents as evidenced by her subsequent elections; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Arthur commands a staff of approximately 265, manages an average daily population of approximately 455 inmates, administers security at the courthouse, and oversees a $35.6 million budget; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Arthur has continued and initiated numerous innovative programs at the Arlington County Detention Facility, including the Addictions, Corrections and Treatment Unit and Read-Me-A-Story program, which allows female inmates to record books on tape for their children; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Arthur also reorganized the Records, Booking, and Processing sections to improve efficiency and accuracy; promotes high standards for recruitment, hiring, and training; enhanced the staff exercise room to promote physical fitness; and purchased two Segways for use by warrant process deputies in heavy traffic areas to reduce costs and the office’s carbon footprint; and

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, and in the ensuing days, the nation and the world focused on efforts by Arlington County first responders when the Pentagon was hit as part of a coordinated terrorist attack on the country; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Arthur responded quickly with strong, decisive leadership and coordinated efforts with other area first responders to assist in the massive rescue and relief efforts at the Pentagon; and

WHEREAS, a member and leader of numerous professional and community service organizations and committees, Sheriff Arthur also served as chair of the Virginia Criminal Justice Services Board from 2005 until 2010; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Arthur has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a Leadership Arlington Legacy Award and the Washington Area Toyota Dealers and WJLA Channel 7 Tribute to Working Women Award; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Arthur is the first female sheriff in Arlington County, the first female county sheriff in the Commonwealth, and one of approximately 40 female sheriffs in the United States; she was also the first woman to occupy a board position at the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association when she became treasurer; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated law-enforcement professional, Sheriff Arthur has provided outstanding leadership as sheriff of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and made many contributions to the law-enforcement community throughout her career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sheriff Elizabeth F. Arthur on her selection as president of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sheriff Elizabeth F. Arthur as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations on her selection as the first female sheriff to serve as president of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association and on her many contributions to law enforcement.