Virginia SR 100: Commending the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department.

Bill Text

2024SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATERESOLUTIONNO.100
Commending the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department.
AgreedtobytheSenate,February29,2024
WHEREAS, for 75 years, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department has served citizens of the
Commonwealth while upholding its mission to provide the highest quality fire protection and emergency
services in the most effective and efficient manner; and
WHEREAS, in 1947, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department was organized with the objective of
providing fire protection to the Town of Grottoes and the surrounding communities in the counties of
Augusta and Rockingham; and
WHEREAS, in 1948, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department was officially chartered for purposes
that included preventing and extinguishing fires in the Town of Grottoes and the surrounding territory
and maintaining a modern and efficient fire department at all times for the protection of life and
property; and
WHEREAS, Charles Stickley served as the first fire chief for the Grottoes Volunteer Fire
Department, establishing a tradition of excellence that has defined the department throughout its history;
and
WHEREAS, in August 1948, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department responded to its first
emergency call in a Hahn Fire Apparatus after a pile of sawdust burst into flames at a nearby silk mill;
and
WHEREAS, in 1995, after three additions to the original white block station located on Aspen
Avenue, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department broke ground for its current station located on Third
Street; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department opened an onsite museum complete
with memorabilia, vintage uniforms, and a 1920s chemical hand cart that had been used to provide
firefighters high-pressure water to battle fires; and
WHEREAS, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department is currently made up of 90 members, 40 of
whom are active volunteer firefighters, who enable the department to respond to 500-700 calls each
year; and
WHEREAS, the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department, a thriving nonprofit organization, continues to
uphold its core values of integrity, selfless service, continuous improvement, and pride; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department hereby be
commended for its dedication, commitment, and service in protecting the safety and lives of local
residents on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for
presentation to the Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's
congratulations and appreciation for the department's service and dedication to public safety.
ENROLLED
SR100ER