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