HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 472 Offered March 6, 2006 Celebrating the life of retired Police Chief Joseph E. Pittman, Jr. ---------- Patrons-- Nixon and Cox ----------

WHEREAS, Joseph E. Pittman, Jr., retired Chief of the Chesterfield County Police Department and veteran of the United States Navy, died on February 27, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pittman's career with the Chesterfield County Police Department spanned nearly four decades, beginning in 1957 as a police dispatcher with promotions to patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and chief in 1975; and

WHEREAS, during his service as chief from 1975 until his retirement in 1996, Chief Pittman's leadership enabled the department to become a nationally recognized law-enforcement agency through growth in personnel, innovative programs, and specialty units to better serve the community; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pittman's dedication and commitment resulted in the construction in 1994 of Chesterfield's $7 million police and fire training academy; and

WHEREAS, born in Richmond, Virginia, Joseph Pittman graduated from Benedictine High School and served in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pittman was married to Jean, father of two sons, Rusty and Randy, grandfather to two grandchildren and five stepgrandchildren, brother to Arthur and Aretta, and uncle to many nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Chief Pittman's lifetime of service to his county and community is an outstanding example for young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a committed public servant and outstanding Virginian, Joseph E. Pittman, Jr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph E. Pittman, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory and heartfelt appreciation for his service.