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SJR 1097

Memorials, Retirement - Chief John Linsenbigler -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

The resolution formally honors Chief John Linsenbigler for 44 years in fire service, SVFD leadership, and community service upon his retirement.

Concurred, Ayes 96, Nays 0, PNV 0
#memorials #retirement
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Bill Summary · SJR 1097

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 1097 (SJR 1097) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Purpose and Intent

  • SJR 1097 is a memorial resolution honoring Chief John Linsenbigler on the occasion of his retirement from the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD).
  • It recognizes his 44-year career in the fire service and his 30 years of service with SVFD, including 7 years as chief and executive officer.
  • The resolution additionally notes his community service, leadership style, and notable acts (e.g., delivering a baby, assisting a burn victim).

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Resolution: The bill officially commemorates and commends Chief Linsenbigler for his dedicated public service.
  • Scope of Recognition: Highlights milestones in his career, including:
    • Move to Seymour (1980) and early roles with Rural Metro Fire and ambulances (1982–1985).
    • Fire Brigade leadership at Johnson Bible College (fire chief starting in 1995; prior involvement since 1989).
    • SVFD leadership trajectory: lieutenant (1999), captain (2004), assistant chief (2008), deputy chief (2010), chief (2017).
    • SVFD's development during his tenure: six stations, 78 firefighters (with seven applicants pending), serving ~16,000 households and handling 3,229 emergency calls in 2025.
  • Personal and Community Context: Mentions his faith, family, and plans to work as a substitute teacher in Sevier County after retirement.
  • Official Action: The resolution requests the appropriate copy be prepared for presentation upon passage, with standard formatting details specified.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary: Chief John Linsenbigler, in formal recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • Community Impact: The resolution acknowledges SVFD’s service to Seymour and surrounding area; it indirectly highlights the department’s capacity and community safety role.
  • No Regulatory or Fiscal Changes: As a memorial resolution, it does not impose new laws, duties, or funding obligations on state or local governments.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced and advanced through standard Senate informal processes in April 2026.
  • Key Dates:
    • April 8, 2026: Filed for introduction.
    • April 9, 2026: Passed on first consideration.
    • April 10–13, 2026: Sponsor additions; placement on Senate Consent Calendar.
    • April 13, 2026: Passed on second consideration; referred to Senate Calendar Committee.
    • April 15, 2026: Engrossed; adopted on consent with a unanimous vote (Ayes 32, Nays 0); transmitted to House.
    • April 16, 2026: Placed on House consent calendar for a subsequent action.
  • Co-sponsor: Becky Massey.

Overall Impact

  • The bill serves as a formal, non-binding tribute recognizing decades of public service by a local fire chief.
  • It reflects the state’s practice of commemorating notable Tennesseans and public servants upon retirement or departure from long-term service.
  • There are no policy changes, budget allocations, or regulatory amendments associated with SJR 1097.

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

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