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HJ 642

Celebrating the life of Robert Evans Talbott.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Cherry and 8 co-sponsors

Virginia honors firefighter Robert Evans Talbott with a ceremonial resolution recognizing 20 years of service, bravery, and mentorship, and to present the text to his family.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ642ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 642

Summary: House Joint Resolution 642 (HJ 642) — Celebrating the life of Robert Evans Talbott

Overview

HJ 642 is a memorial resolution adopted by both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly recognizing and honoring the life and service of Robert Evans Talbott, a longtime firefighter with Chesterfield Fire and EMS. The measure expresses the General Assembly’s condolences and directs the Clerk of the House to present a copy of the resolution to Talbott’s family.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly acknowledge and celebrate the life, public service, and memory of Robert Evans Talbott.
  • To commemorate his 20-year tenure with Chesterfield Fire and EMS and his earlier service with the Danville Fire Department.
  • To recognize Talbott’s leadership, mentorship, and acts of bravery, including a Unit Life Save Award in 2023.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Resolution: The General Assembly notes with sadness the passing of Robert Evans Talbott (died December 20, 2024) and honors his contributions as a firefighter.
  • Biographical Summary: The resolution provides a concise biography, including:
    • Early life in Southside Virginia; Blue Stone High School; earned Eagle Scout rank.
    • Fire science degree from Danville Community College.
    • Public safety career with Danville Fire Department (1996–2004) and as a life member of the Danville Life Saving Crew.
    • Twenty years of service with Chesterfield Fire and EMS, with assignments at multiple stations and communities (Chester, Midlothian, Dale, Rivers Bend, Matoaca, Bon Air, Swift Creek); attained lieutenant rank in 2017; most recently assigned to Engine 224 at Fire Station 24 on Courthouse Road.
    • Noted for calm demeanor, mentorship to younger firefighters, and recognized achievements, including Firefighter of the Year (Danville Fire Department, 2002) and a Unit Life Save Award (Chesterfield Fire and EMS, October 2023, for rescuing five people from a burning apartment).
  • Family Acknowledgment: The resolution notes Talbott’s wife, Carol, and his children Austin, Evan, and Amanda, along with other family and colleagues.
  • Expression of Respect: The General Assembly’s intent to show respect for Talbott’s memory and to memorialize his service.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Robert Evans Talbott’s immediate family and colleagues at Chesterfield Fire and EMS (and his earlier colleagues at Danville Fire Department).
  • Secondary: The General Assembly, and the public who honor first responders.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 11, 2025.
  • House actions: Engrossed February 17, 2025; Agreed to by the House February 17, 2025.
  • Senate actions: Agreed to February 19, 2025.
  • Enrolled status: HJ642ER (enrolled on March 21, 2025); final text as passed by both chambers.
  • Patrons: House — Phillips, Cherry, Marshall, Coyner, Earley, Jones, McQuinn, Ware; Senate — Senator Mulchi.
  • Final disposition: The Clerk of the House is instructed to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Talbott’s family.

Impact

No fiscal or regulatory changes are introduced. The bill serves a ceremonial purpose to honor a public servant and provide a formal moment of remembrance by the legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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