Executive Order 52 (2007)
Every day, brave men and women put on their uniforms and dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property throughout the Commonwealth. Virginia’s Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Corrections Officers, Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Management personnel serve our Commonwealth providing us with safety and security, and responding when we are in need.
Unfortunately, every year we mourn the loss of members of the public safety community. A Public Safety Memorial would be a meaningful and fitting honor to Virginia’s fallen heroes giving the friends and family of the men and women who have died in the line of duty a place to remember them, and to give Virginians a memorial to honor and respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our society.
Virginia is one of only ten states in the country without a state-level memorial honoring public safety personnel who have died in the line of duty. I am hereby formally establishing the Public Safety Memorial Commission, to honor the men and women who have died in the line of duty while serving Virginians.
The Public Safety Memorial Commission shall be chaired by the Secretary of Public Safety. Recognizing that these efforts will require the work of individuals across a broad spectrum of professions and expertise, the Commission shall consist of the Secretary of Administration, representatives from state agencies, representatives from the General Assembly, and members of the public safety community appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure. Additional members may be appointed at the Governor’s discretion.
Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but they may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.
I hereby direct the Commission to study and recommend to the Governor and General Assembly an appropriate memorial for the Commonwealth to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Virginia’s Public Safety personnel.
I further direct that all agencies of the Commonwealth provide any assistance that may be requested by the Commission. Staff support for the Commission shall be provided by the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety, and such other agencies as may be designated by the Governor. The Commission shall submit a report with its recommendations by October 30, 2007.
This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until December 1, 2007, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 13th day of June, 2007.
/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor
Attest:
/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth