Executive Order 89 (2009)

Continuing the Public Safety Memorial Commission

Importance of the Issue

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.

The Public Safety Memorial Commission

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. Since 2007, the Public Safety Memorial Commission has made great strides in studying and recommending an appropriate location for the Commonwealth to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of the members of Virginia’s public safety community with a memorial. The Commission will select a memorial design from six final submissions in September, 2009. Accordingly, so that it may complete the building of this memorial, I hereby continue the Public Safety Memorial Commission, to honor these men and women who have died while serving Virginia.

Composition of the Commission

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.

Charge for the Commission

I hereby direct the Commission to study and recommend to the Governor and General Assembly an appropriate memorial in Darden Garden (Lat: 37°32’23.76”N, Long: 77°26’1.47”W) 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.

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until June 30, 2010, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 30th day of July, 2009.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth