2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 41

Commending the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 22, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 26, 2026

WHEREAS, for 100 years, the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department has admirably served the community by safeguarding the citizens and property of the Town of Rural Retreat and Wythe County; and

WHEREAS, the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1925 under E.J. Cooley's leadership and has been guided over the years by a succession of accomplished fire chiefs, including Robert Maurin, Jack Price, Forest Musser, B.L. Musser, J.S. Hilton, French Sult, Adrian Hilton, Dale Mercer, John Shumate, and Dave Evans, who has led the department for the past 20 years; and

WHEREAS, the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department was first housed next to the mill on East Baumgardner Avenue and after a number of relocations has been established since 1980 in its current station at 210 East Railroad Avenue; and

WHEREAS, beginning with two hand-drawn fire hose reels that were carried to fires on the back of a Ford truck, the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department has since grown and evolved as new trucks and equipment have been steadily acquired; and

WHEREAS, the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department has consistently held successful community fundraisers to advance its mission, while also receiving generous support over the years through donations from private citizens, businesses, and charitable organizations, as well as assistance from Wythe County and the Town of Rural Retreat; and

WHEREAS, with an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community it serves, the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department has made a profound and lasting impact on the Town of Rural Retreat and Wythe County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's contributions to Wythe County and the Commonwealth.