A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the memory of lester Edward ervin, jr., the first african‑american fire chief for the city of winston‑salem.
Whereas, Lester Edward Ervin, Jr. was a trailblazer in the City of Winston‑Salem, serving as the City's first African‑American fire chief; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin grew up in Winston‑Salem, graduating from Atkins High School, and received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Virginia State University; and
Whereas, prior to becoming a firefighter, Lester Ervin worked for an insurance company; and
Whereas, in 1951, Lester Ervin was among the first African‑Americans hired by the City of Winston‑Salem as a firefighter, and he was assigned to Fire Station No. 4, which was located in a predominately African‑American area of the City; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin was soon recognized by the City for his exemplary performance, and he rose quickly in rank in the fire department; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin was promoted to sergeant and later lieutenant in 1955, captain in 1957, assistant chief in 1967, and deputy fire chief in 1978; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin became Winston‑Salem's first African‑American fire chief in 1980 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1989; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin served as a role model and influential leader not only to the firefighters in his department but also to those men and women who would join the department in later years; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin was involved in his community, serving as a Boy Scout Explorers troupe leader, a charter member of the Greater Winston‑Salem Kiwanis Club, and cochair of the United Negro College Fund; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin was also active in the East Winston Noon Optimist Club, the Urban League, the United Way, and the First Baptist Church; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin was a loving husband to his wife, Elizabeth, and a doting father to his children; and
Whereas, Lester Ervin died in 1998;  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of Lester Edward Ervin, Jr. and expresses its appreciation for his exemplary work as a firefighter and his commitment and dedication to saving lives and protecting property in the City of Winston‑Salem.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly commends Lester Edward Ervin, Jr. for his bravery and courage in becoming Winton‑Salem's first African‑American fire chief.
SECTION 3.  The General Assembly extends its sympathy to the family of Lester Edward Ervin, Jr. for the loss of its beloved family member.
SECTION 4.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Lester Edward Ervin, Jr.
SECTION 5.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.