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2024 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 128
Celebrating the life of James Patrick McGuire.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 22, 2024
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 26, 2024

 

WHEREAS, James Patrick McGuire, a patriotic veteran, devoted public safety officer, and trusted community leader in Henrico County, passed away on December 17, 2023; and

WHEREAS, James Patrick McGuire was born on March 16, 1950, and was best known as “Pat” to some and “Mac” to others; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire enlisted in the United States Army at age 18; he honorably served on active duty during the Vietnam War, then served for 45 years in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a member of the 80th Training Command with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, AG; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his military career, Pat “Mac” McGuire received many forms of recognition, including the Legion of Merit with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Vietnam Service Medal, and numerous other awards and accolades for his outstanding service to the nation; and

WHEREAS, in 1975, Pat “Mac” McGuire joined the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad (FVVRS) and remained a member for 48 years; within a year of joining, he became a squad leader and a junior squad advisor and, in 1977, he was elected captain of the FVVRS, in which capacity he served for six years, before serving an additional four years as president; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire was a dedicated and highly skilled squad leader and junior squad advisor, who qualified as an advanced first aid instructor, CPR instructor, and vehicle extrication instructor for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS); and

WHEREAS, after becoming involved with the VAVRS, Pat “Mac” McGuire served District 3 as vice president for two years, deputy rescue officer for four years, and rescue officer for three years; he also served as chair of the First Aid Contest committee and the District Mock Disaster committee; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire chaired the Chesterfield County Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, the state Haz-Mat Committee, and the Julian Stanley Wise Foundation Board for eight years, and he served on the Governor’s EMS Advisory Board for three years; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire made numerous contributions to how the VAVRS operates today, including by developing instructor workshops and coordinating with the Office of Emergency Medical Services to develop workshops on recruitment and retention; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire served the VAVRS as training officer, secretary, vice president, and president; during his tenure as president, he was instrumental in the opening of the “To the Rescue” museum in Roanoke in June 1991; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his extraordinary service to the VAVRS, Pat “Mac” McGuire was elected by his peers as a life member of the organization in September 1991 and was inducted into the Virginia Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame in September 1998; he continued to serve the FVVRS and VAVRS until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire was very enthusiastic about coaching high school softball and “his girls” at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County; he also founded the West End Waves fastpitch softball organization; and he coached countless softball players over the years, impacted many lives, and advocated on behalf of his players to help them achieve success in college programs; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire was extremely active in his church, Skipwith Baptist Church in Henrico County, where he held many leadership positions and improved so many lives by mentoring those who needed guidance, as well as expanding access to scholastic and employment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Pat “Mac” McGuire will be affectionately remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Linda; his children, Ashley and James Patrick McGuire, Jr.; his grandchildren; other family members; friends in the military ranks, softball, and emergency medical services; and colleagues throughout the Commonwealth, who will forever cherish his memory; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Patrick McGuire, a retired military hero, community leader, instructor, coach, and mentor to others in the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James Patrick McGuire as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.