Virginia SJ 210: Commending William A. Pruitt.

Bill Text

2024SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATEJOINTRESOLUTIONNO.210
Commending William A. Pruitt.
AgreedtobytheSenate,March6,2024
AgreedtobytheHouseofDelegates,March7,2024
WHEREAS, William A. Pruitt, former commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission,
has served the Commonwealth with unwavering commitment and dedication; and
WHEREAS, William "Bill" Pruitt grew up on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, where in his
youth he spent summers catching menhaden for crab-pot bait with his grandfather; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt devoted five years of his life in service to the United States Army,
demonstrating his patriotism and dedication to the defense of the nation; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt served with valor and distinction in combat during the Vietnam War; he
demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication during the Tet Offensive in 1968 and earned the
Bronze Star for his meritorious actions; and
WHEREAS, from 1976 to 1983, Bill Pruitt served as the county administrator of Richmond County,
contributing to the local community's growth and development; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt further demonstrated his commitment to public service after he was appointed
by Governor Charles Robb as commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, which
maintains the Commonwealth's aquatic resources in coastal areas and inland waterways by establishing
commercial fishing regulations and zoning for state-owned waters; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt ably led the Virginia Marine Resources Commission from February 1983 to
July 2006, serving under seven governors from both parties and building a strong network of friends and
colleagues in local, regional, and state agencies; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt's childhood experiences helped him cultivate relationships based on trust and
mutual respect with working fishermen, and he treated everyone who came before the Virginia Marine
Resources Commission, from residents and watermen to scientists and government officials, with
fairness and understanding; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pruitt enabled the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to function efficiently
and effectively and received many accolades for his professionalism, wise leadership, sense of
responsibility, and devotion to public service; and
WHEREAS, in July 2023, Bill Pruitt attended a special ceremony on Tangier Island, where he was
honored by the Virginia Marine Police and Virginia Marine Resources Commission with the unveiling
of a new police boat, the W.A. Pruitt, which will patrol the area around the island; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby
commend William A. Pruitt, former commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, for
his exemplary service to the Commonwealth and the United States; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for
presentation to William A. Pruitt as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his steady
leadership and outstanding contributions to safety and security on the Commonwealth's waterways.
ENROLLED
SJ210ER