HJ285: Commending Herndon Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of its 80th anniversary.

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WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department celebrated 80 years of outstanding service in 2009; and

WHEREAS, in 1917 a large fire destroyed parts of the downtown business district in Herndon and the town realized the need for a fire department; in 1929 the town chartered the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department and the department opened its first garage; and

WHEREAS, in its early years, while Herndon was still largely agricultural, the brave and hard-working volunteers of the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department fought not only building fires but barn and brush fires as well; and

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department also covered a large territory, with volunteers traveling to Great Falls, into Loudoun County, south to Chantilly, and as far north as the Potomac River; and

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was instrumental in providing food and water to the volunteer firefighters when they worked for long periods of time; they also held fundraisers to raise money for equipment for the department; and

WHEREAS, over the years, many dedicated citizens of Herndon generously gave their time to the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department; however, during World War II, the department lost almost 25 percent of its membership to military service and had to lower the age requirement to 16 years of age; and

WHEREAS, in 1950 the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department opened a larger garage and the department served as a focal point for the community, holding carnivals, bingo games, barbecues, dinners, and dances; and

WHEREAS, Fairfax County took over operations of the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department in 1976; though volunteers no longer staff Herndon?s fire station, many former volunteer firefighters continue to support its professional firefighters through fundraising efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 80th anniversary at the fire station on Spring Street in downtown Herndon; visitors were able to view photographs, newspaper clippings, videos, and other memorabilia highlighting the illustrious history of the department; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of its 80th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of the General Assembly?s congratulations and gratitude for its contributions to the Herndon community.

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department celebrated 80 years of outstanding service in 2009; and

WHEREAS, in 1917, a large fire destroyed parts of the downtown business district in Herndon and the town realized the need for a fire department; in 1929, the town chartered the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department and the department opened its first garage; and

WHEREAS, in its early years, while Herndon was still largely agricultural, the brave and hard-working volunteers of the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department fought not only building fires but barn and brush fires as well; and

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department also covered a large territory, with volunteers traveling to Great Falls, into Loudoun County, south to Chantilly, and as far north as the Potomac River; and

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was instrumental in providing food and water to the volunteer firefighters when they worked for long periods of time; they also held fundraisers to raise money for equipment for the department; and

WHEREAS, over the years, many dedicated citizens of Herndon generously gave their time to the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department; however, during World War II, the department lost almost 25 percent of its membership to military service and had to lower the age requirement to 16 years of age; and

WHEREAS, in 1950, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department opened a larger garage and the department served as a focal point for the community, holding carnivals, Bingo games, barbecues, dinners, and dances; and

WHEREAS, Fairfax County took over operations of the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department in 1976; though volunteers no longer staff Herndon?s fire station, many former volunteer firefighters continue to support its professional firefighters through fundraising efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 80th anniversary at the fire station on Spring Street in downtown Herndon; visitors were able to view photographs, newspaper clippings, videos, and other memorabilia highlighting the illustrious history of the department; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of its 80th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Herndon Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of the General Assembly?s congratulations and gratitude for its contributions to the Herndon community.