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1999 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 475
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Virginia State Police Association.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 4, 1999
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 7, 1999

WHEREAS, on December 9, 1974, a courageous group of Virginia State Troopers and other employees of the Department of State Police, sharing a deep commitment to their profession and desiring to improve their working conditions and morale in order to improve the quality of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth, first gathered in Charlottesville to discuss issues of mutual benefit and concern; and

WHEREAS, this initial group encountered strong opposition from many quarters and faced demoralizing threats to their careers and livelihoods, but still gave unselfishly of their time, talents and labor because they believed in the integrity and justness of their cause; and

WHEREAS, despite the obstacles placed before them, they nonetheless determined to organize an association to promote and protect their common interests and well-being, adopting the motto “to be mutually helpful to one another”; and

WHEREAS, the newly formed Virginia State Police Association, led by its first president, Trooper M. Wayne Huggins, faced and conquered many administrative, organizational, financial, and public perception difficulties during its early years; and

WHEREAS, despite these early hardships and threats to its existence, both internal and external, the Virginia State Police Association has grown into a strong and respected advocate for the improvement of compensation, benefits, manpower, equipment, and working conditions for State Police employees; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia State Police Association has also served as an effective advocate for stronger law-enforcement programs and played an important role for the citizens of the Commonwealth through its many community outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, in its 25 years of existence, the Virginia State Police Association has played a vital role in the lives of its members, the employees of the Department of State Police, and the citizens of Virginia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly express its congratulations and appreciation to the Virginia State Police Association on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia State Police Association as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the courage of its founders and for the vital role the association has played in the law-enforcement field over the last quarter century.