HJ564: Commending Jo Ellen Emswiler.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 564
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled December 1, 2006
Commending Jo Ellen Emswiler. 
Patron-- Lohr

WHEREAS, Deputy Jo Ellen Emswiler is recognized for her 30 years of exemplary service to the citizens of Rockingham County and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Jo Ellen Emswiler joined the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office in 1976 as its first female deputy; and

WHEREAS, with a pioneering spirit and strong work ethic, Deputy Emswiler established not only the uniform dress code for women officers, but also a high standard of participation for female deputies  on patrol and on the RUSH Drug Task Force; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Emswiler began her career with the Rockingham Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher and a booking officer for the jail's women prisoners; and

WHEREAS, within two years, Deputy Emswiler became the first female officer assigned to patrolling and answering calls; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and hard-working public servant, Deputy Emswiler served as a patrol officer  in Rockingham County for over 15 years; and

WHEREAS, a versatile and talented law-enforcement officer, Deputy Emswiler also served as an invaluable member of the RUSH Drug Task Force and as a bailiff for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court; and

WHEREAS, as a school resource officer, Deputy Emswiler especially enjoyed teaching young people about police work and helping them understand Virginia's laws; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Emswiler has been a mentor and an inspiration to the fine women officers who have followed in her footsteps and serves as an excellent role model for all dedicated law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Jo Ellen Emswiler on the completion of an outstanding 30-year career with the Rockingham Sheriff's Office; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jo Ellen Emswiler as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for her longtime public service to the citizens of the Commonwealth and best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement.