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2022 SESSION

22107551D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 146
Offered March 8, 2022
Commending Anthony S. Wilson.
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Patron-- Ballard
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WHEREAS, Anthony S. Wilson, an honorable veteran, esteemed law-enforcement officer, and chief of police of the Blacksburg Police Department, will retire in 2022 after 25 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson grew up in Blacksburg and, following graduation from high school, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, after his service, Anthony Wilson attended and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) with a degree in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, throughout Anthony Wilson’s tenure with the Blacksburg Police Department, he served as a patrol field training officer, criminal investigator, investigative unit supervisor, tactical team operator and commander, patrol unit commander, and division commander; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson and his department launched numerous safety programs, including “No Hokie Left Behind” and “Be Safe Blacksburg,” which helped to provide free phone charging stations in downtown restaurants and bars, while implementing “Free Ride Fridays,” providing transport from downtown Blacksburg to anywhere in town; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson prioritized interactions with the youth of the community, creating “Fifth Grade Field Day,” a program that introduced all fifth-grade classes to one another as they readied for middle school transition; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson remained a fierce advocate for positive relations with students at Virginia Tech, implementing the “Adopt A Cop Academy,” which paired Virginia Tech Police Officers with members of Virginia Tech fraternities for mentorship, along with presenting a week-long class with the Division of Student Affairs on maintaining safe social environments; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson served the Town of Blacksburg as a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years and worked with New River Community College to create the “Books to Badges” program, offering two-year scholarships to individuals interested in law-enforcement careers; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson helped to create and served as volunteer service coordinator with the “ACCE” Program at New River Community College, which provided an opportunity for students to attend community college at no cost if they engaged in area community service projects; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson was not only a proponent of student and community safety, but officer safety as well, creating the “Training Triangle” program, providing increased training in tactical ability, advanced communications, and de-escalation skills training; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Wilson’s passion for the Blacksburg community was exemplified in 2020, when he stepped up to help create the New River Valley Public Health Task Force, a program that was vital for the region’s response to COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure as chief of police of the Blacksburg Police Department, Anthony Wilson has been a committed advocate for the Town of Blacksburg whose tireless and selfless work has left a defined and lasting impact on the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Anthony S. Wilson, chief of police of the Blacksburg Police Department, hereby be commended for his extensive career and service to the Town of Blacksburg; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Anthony S. Wilson as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration and respect for his devoted service to the Blacksburg community and citizens of the Commonwealth.