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SJR 1137

Memorials, Death - Chief Freddie Joe Devotie -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jessie Seal

SJR 1137 memorializes Chief Freddie Joe Devotie for his 38-year fire service leadership and pastoral work, honoring his community impact and mentorship.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SJR 1137

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 1137 (SJR 1137) – Tennessee 114th General Assembly

Purpose and intent

  • SJR 1137 is a memorial resolution recognizing and honoring the life and service of Chief Freddie Joe Devotie of Jefferson City.
  • The bill pays tribute to Devotie’s forty-year (approximately 38-year) career in the fire service, his leadership as founder and longtime Fire Chief of the Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department, and his role as a pastor.
  • The resolution acknowledges Devotie’s dedication to public safety, mentorship of firefighters, and community spiritual leadership.

Key provisions and changes

  • Formal recognition: The resolution, once enacted, expresses the General Assembly’s respect, sympathy, and appreciation for Chief Devotie.
  • Gratitude and sympathy: It conveys condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, particularly members of the Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department.
  • Publication and presentation: An appropriate copy of the resolution is to be prepared for presentation, with a provision to omit the final “House/Senate designation” language from the copy upon request.

Who or what is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Chief Freddie Joe Devotie’s family and the Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department, along with the Jefferson County community.
  • Secondary beneficiaries: Members of the Tennessee General Assembly and the broader public who recognize legacies of service and leadership.
  • There are no regulatory or fiscal impacts; the bill is ceremonial and commemorative.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and action timeline:
    • Filed for introduction: April 14, 2026
    • Passed on First Consideration: April 15, 2026
  • The bill is a joint resolution, a ceremonial instrument, typically voted on to memorialize individuals rather than to enact statutory changes.
  • Sponsor: Senator Seal, with a co-sponsor listed as Jessie Seal.

Additional context

  • Personal background highlighted in the resolution:
    • Born October 16, 1944.
    • Reorganized and founded the Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department in 1986.
    • Served as Fire Chief for over three decades.
    • Also served as a pastor at House of Prayer in Morristown for 25 years.
  • The resolution emphasizes Devotie’s faith, character, leadership, and impact on both his religious community and the fire service.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a press release, a legislative tracking database, or a briefing for local constituents, with a version that highlights dates and quotes from the bill.

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

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