HJ708: Commending Richard Carroll Clark, Jr.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 708
Commending Richard Carroll Clark, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 21, 2019
Agreed to by the Senate, January 31, 2019

 

WHEREAS, Richard Carroll Clark, Jr., an experienced law-enforcement officer who served and safeguarded generations of Southwest Virginia residents, retired as chief of the Galax Police Department in 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Galax, Richard “Rick” Carroll Clark, Jr., graduated from Galax High School and was attending Wytheville Community College when he was offered a job with the Galax Police Department in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Rick Clark began his law-enforcement career as a dispatcher, graduated from the police academy in 1978, and was promoted to investigator in 1979; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, Rick Clark transferred to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, where he performed a wide variety of roles, including chief investigator, evidence custodian, communication supervisor, records management and training coordinator, grants manager, and uniform patrol supervisor, in addition to pursuing a bachelor’s degree; and

WHEREAS, Rick Clark returned to the Galax Police Department as chief of police in 2002 and immediately transformed the department with visionary leadership and innovative techniques such as implementing a four-part model to scan for and analyze problems, prepare a comprehensive response, and assess the effectiveness of the plan; and

WHEREAS, among Rick Clark’s proudest accomplishments is the revitalization of Main Street through directed patrols and zero-tolerance policies for equipment, driving, and alcohol violations to make the area safer for residents and visitors; he also helped lower the speed limit on East Stuart Drive, which resulted in a decrease in vehicle crashes; and

WHEREAS, under Rick Clark’s diligent leadership, the Galax Police Department solved numerous high-profile cases and became a model for other departments with its effective community engagement programs, building a strong sense of trust with local residents; and

WHEREAS, respected throughout the Commonwealth for his expertise, Rick Clark served as president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police in 2010 - 2011 and vice chair of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Board from 2008 to 2012; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Richard Carroll Clark, Jr., for his service to the residents of the City of Galax and Carroll County on the occasion of his retirement as chief of the Galax Police Department; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Richard Carroll Clark, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his leadership and dedication to service and best wishes for his well-earned retirement.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 708

Offered January 14, 2019
Commending Richard Carroll Clark, Jr.
Patrons-- O'Quinn, Morefield and Pillion; Senator: Carrico

WHEREAS, Richard Carroll Clark, Jr., an experienced law-enforcement officer who served and safeguarded generations of Southwest Virginia residents, retired as chief of the Galax Police Department in 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Galax, Richard “Rick” Clark graduated from Galax High School and was attending Wytheville Community College when he was offered a job with the Galax Police Department in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Rick Clark began his law-enforcement career as a dispatcher, graduated from the police academy in 1978, and was promoted to investigator in 1979; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, Rick Clark transferred to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, where he performed a wide variety of roles, including chief investigator, evidence custodian, communication supervisor, records management and training coordinator, grants manager, and uniform patrol supervisor, in addition to pursuing a bachelor’s degree; and

WHEREAS, Rick Clark returned to the Galax Police Department as chief of police in 2002 and immediately transformed the department with visionary leadership and innovative techniques such as implementing a four-part model to scan for and analyze problems, prepare a comprehensive response, and assess the effectiveness of the plan; and

WHEREAS, among Rick Clark’s proudest accomplishments is the revitalization of Main Street through directed patrols and zero tolerance policies for equipment, driving, and alcohol violations to make the area safer for residents and visitors; he also helped lower the speed limit on East Stuart Drive, which resulted in a decrease in vehicle crashes; and

WHEREAS, under Rick Clark’s diligent leadership, the Galax Police Department solved numerous other high-profile cases and became a model for other departments with its effective community engagement programs, building a strong sense of trust with local residents; and

WHEREAS, respected throughout the Commonwealth for his expertise, Rick Clark also served as president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police in 2010 - 2011 and vice chair of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Board from 2008 to 2012; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Richard Carroll Clark, Jr., for his service to the residents of the City of Galax and Carroll County on the occasion of his retirement as chief of the Galax Police Department; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Richard Carroll Clark, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his leadership and dedication to service and best wishes for his well-earned retirement.