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2017 SESSION

17104279D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 359
Offered February 1, 2017
Commending the Christiansburg Rescue Squad.
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Patrons-- Edwards; Delegates: Habeeb and Rush
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WHEREAS, the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, founded as the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew, will celebrate 70 years of outstanding service to the citizens of the Town of Christiansburg and Montgomery County in 2017; and

WHEREAS, on April 3, 1947, at a meeting at Harrison-Hancock Hardware, Lions Club member Evans L. King suggested to the club’s board of directors that they should cosponsor a first aid crew with the Christiansburg Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, the formal name of the crew became the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew and the new organization was served by two medical advisors—Dr. Lee Cole and Dr. R. H. Grubbs; S. C. Richardson was elected president to assist in organizational matters; and

WHEREAS, at the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew’s first organizational meeting, J. Cullen Murray was elected captain, and the other officers chosen were Hugh Edwards as secretary, Frank Robinson as first lieutenant, Clyde King as second lieutenant, Edwin Chrisman as sergeant, and Frank Lawrence as treasurer; and

WHEREAS, in June 1947, the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew joined the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, and the Christiansburg Fire Department loaned the crew an ambulance and lighting equipment, which began the close working relationship that still endures between the rescue squad and the fire department; and

WHEREAS, in 1950, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew was established, providing much needed support to the crew as well as assistance in many projects; and

WHEREAS, in the early years, emergency calls were handled by Richardson’s Funeral Home; with the support of the community, the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew was able to purchase a Packard ambulance, a one-ton panel truck, two boats for water rescues, and a crash truck to respond to the scenes of automobile accidents; and

WHEREAS, the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew operated out of the old fire department quarters on Pepper Street until 1963, when the crew purchased a lot on Stone Street and built a new facility with meeting, office, and sleeping quarters; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew, now operating as the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, has become a vital partner with the community, teaching first aid classes, assisting with blood donations, and working every day to ensure the safety and security of the Town of Christiansburg; and

WHEREAS, the Christiansburg Rescue Squad moved into its current home on Depot Street on May 1, 1997; and

WHEREAS, today, the Christiansburg Rescue Squad has many hardworking and well-trained volunteer members and paid employees led by Chief Joe Coyle; the crew continues its long tradition of exemplary public service and commitment to saving lives and promoting health and safety; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Christiansburg Rescue Squad on the occasion of its historic 70th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joe Coyle, chief of the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the squad’s commitment to the citizens of the Town of Christiansburg and Montgomery County.