HJ5043: Commending Larry Gallaher.

WHEREAS, on April 6, 2006, Larry Gallaher was honored with the Warren E. Trent Individual Award for his 26 years of public service and excellence in the emergency management profession; and

WHEREAS, the award is given annually to an emergency management professional in recognition of career excellence and service to the Virginia Emergency Management Association (VEMA) and to the citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Larry Gallaher is recognized for his career as New Kent County’s emergency management coordinator, hazardous materials coordinator, and for his many years of dedication to improving the quality of life of his fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, Larry Gallaher moved to his beloved New Kent County in 1976 and joined the New Kent County Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter; and

WHEREAS, an exceptional and industrious administrator, Larry Gallaher joined the county as building official in 1980, was appointed deputy coordinator of emergency services the same year, was appointed fire marshal in 1981 and director of public works in 1983, and in 1985 became coordinator of emergency services, also serving as hazardous materials coordinator; and

 WHEREAS, committed to the safety and well-being of all of the residents of New Kent County, Larry Gallaher served as the director of public safety from 1987 to 1998; and

WHEREAS, Larry Gallaher was appointed chief of emergency services in 1998 and became fire chief of the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management in 2003; and

WHEREAS, a leader with vision and vast experience, Larry Gallaher has been invaluable in the organization and implementation of the first career fire and emergency medical services department in New Kent County, which began operations in August 2003; and

WHEREAS, Larry Gallaher has served as staff to the Transportation Safety Commission and chairman of the New Kent County Volunteer Fire Chief’s Association; and

WHEREAS, a great supporter and leader in VEMA for 25 years, Larry Gallaher has served as regional vice president, president, and legislative liaison to the General Assembly of Virginia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Larry Gallaher as the distinguished recipient of the Warren E. Trent Individual Award for his longtime service and leadership in the field of emergency management; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Larry Gallaher as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his dedication to the citizens of New Kent County and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.