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Bill

HJ 707

Commending Melvin Carter.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lamont Bagby and 3 co-sponsors

A ceremonial General Assembly resolution commends Melvin Carter for decades of service as Richmond fire chief on retirement; a symbolic tribute with no policy or funding changes.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ707ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 707

Summary of House Joint Resolution HJ707 (HJ707ER): Commending Melvin Carter

Purpose and Intent

  • HJ707 is a ceremonial House Joint Resolution to commend Melvin Carter upon his retirement as chief of fire and emergency services for the City of Richmond.
  • The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for Carter’s decades of public service and best wishes for his retirement.
  • It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Melvin Carter.

Key Provisions

  • The operative language: “The General Assembly hereby commend Melvin Carter for his legacy of service on the occasion of his retirement,” followed by a directive to present a copy to Carter.
  • The resolution serves as a formal, non-emic policy statement recognizing Carter’s contributions and leadership.
  • There is no appropriation, mandate, or new statutory authority created by this bill.

Background on Melvin Carter (as cited in the bill)

  • Career trajectory in fire service:
    • Began active service in 1983 as a volunteer firefighter with the Henrico County Division of Fire.
    • Briefly a professional firefighter in Petersburg.
    • Joined the Richmond Fire Department in 1987; advanced through roles including company lieutenant, captain, deputy fire marshal, and battalion chief.
    • Appointed deputy fire chief in 2009.
    • In 2017, appointed by Mayor Levar M. Stoney as the City of Richmond’s chief of fire and emergency services (the 21st chief, and the third Black chief).
  • Achievements:
    • Oversaw significant growth at the Richmond Fire Department, including creation of 72 new positions aided by a $13 million federal grant.
    • Named Virginia Fire Chief of the Year in 2023 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
  • Retirement: Retired on December 31, 2024.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary honoree: Melvin Carter.
  • Government and public: The Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Richmond receive a formal acknowledgement from the General Assembly.
  • Practical impact: Ceremonial and symbolic recognition; no statutory changes, budgetary allocations, or regulatory effects.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 16, 2025.
  • Engrossed by the House: February 18, 2025; agreed to by House (voice vote) February 18.
  • Agreed to by Senate: February 20, 2025 (voice vote).
  • Enrolled: The bill text as passed is recorded as HJ707ER.
  • Sponsors: Patrons in the House—Carr, Cousins, and McQuinn; Senator—Bagby.

Overall Assessment

HJ707 is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution recognizing Melvin Carter’s long and impactful career in the Richmond fire service and offering best wishes upon his retirement. It serves as an official expression of esteem from Virginia’s General Assembly.

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

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