HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 731 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 Celebrating the life of James S. Carter. ---------- Patron-- Jones, S.C. ----------

WHEREAS, James S. Carter, respected former fire chief of the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue, died on October 11, 2006; and

WHEREAS, as a professional firefighter and admired public servant, James "Sam" Carter was dedicated to protecting his neighbors and their families and safeguarding their livelihoods and well-being in the Suffolk community; and

WHEREAS, Sam Carter served his country in the United States Navy and joined the City of Suffolk Fire Department in July 1949; and

WHEREAS, Sam Carter was promoted to fire chief in 1971 and continued his steadfast leadership with the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue until his retirement in December 1993; and

WHEREAS, Chief Carter was invaluable in the efficient merger of the City of Suffolk Fire Department with that of Nansemond County in 1974; and

WHEREAS, the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue, Station No. 3, was named in honor of Chief Carter when it was moved from the corner of Jefferson Street and Mulberry Avenue to its new facility at 1001 Whitemarsh Road; and

WHEREAS, after retiring, Sam Carter, committed to improving the quality of life of his fellow residents, served as a member of the Suffolk City Council from 1994 to 1998; and

WHEREAS, Chief Carter was an active member of the Suffolk Elks Lodge No. 685, the Police Association of Virginia, and other professional and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Chief Carter was extremely proud of the 1927 American-LaFrance Fire Engine that was restored by the members of the city fire department and was honored to ride in the vehicle on the day of his retirement; in tribute to his dedicated service to the City of Suffolk, the stately truck was used to transport him to his final resting place; and

WHEREAS, Chief Carter will be fondly remembered for his straightforward manner and his immense respect for his fellow firefighters and greatly missed by his three devoted daughters and their families, his six grandchildren, and countless other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an outstanding Virginian, James S. Carter; 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 James S. Carter as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.