2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25101326D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 579

Offered January 31, 2025

Commending the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad.

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Patron—Oates

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WHEREAS, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad, a firefighting and emergency medical services unit serving the Berryville community, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad, originally founded as the Berryville Fire Department in March 1900, was the vision of local leader John H. Enders, or “Captain John,” who played a pivotal role in the development of the department; and

WHEREAS, after John H. Enders' death in 1933, the Berryville Fire Department was renamed the John H. Enders Fire Company in his honor; and

WHEREAS, from its first motorized fire apparatus, a 1926 Seagrave pumper, to today, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad has continually incorporated new technology and innovations to enhance its ability to serve the Berryville community; and

WHEREAS, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad occupied its first firehouse on East Main Street beginning in 1935 and in recent decades has occupied a four-bay firehouse on South Buckmarsh Street, which has expanded over the years to accommodate the needs of the department; and

WHEREAS, in 2002, the original bell from the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad's East Main Street station was displayed outside the South Buckmarsh Street station to honor the department's history; and

WHEREAS, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad established the rescue squad component of its service in 1962, improving its ability to respond to health crises and other emergent care situations; and

WHEREAS, from its Juniors Program members of ages 16 to 18, to those members who have served the department for more than 60 years, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad credits its success to the unwavering passion and dedication of those who have answered the call to serve the department; and

WHEREAS, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad regularly organizes fundraisers and events, such as its yard sales and pancake breakfasts, which support the station's work and bring the community together around an important and worthwhile cause; and

WHEREAS, the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad has safeguarded the lives and property of Berryville for 125 years, earning the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for the department's history and legacy of service.