SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 25
(By Senator Chafin)
Recognizing the outstanding achievements of Grover C. Phillips.
Whereas, Grover C. Phillips was born March 3, 1934, in
Williamson, West Virginia. He received his education at Williamson
High School and Marshall College; and
Whereas, Grover C. Phillips began his many years of service to
his community in July, 1955, when he joined the Williamson Fire
Department. Three years later, he was elevated to the rank of
Lieutenant and, in November, 1970, he was appointed Fire Chief, a
position he held until his retirement on January 15, 2002; and
Whereas, During his long tenure as Fire Chief of Williamson,
Grover C. Phillips served in numerous associations related to
firefighting. With 46 years and seven months of active
participation, he has the distinction of being the longest-serving
Member of the International Association of Fire Fighters. In this
Association, he served as President, Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer. Phillips also was a 32-year Member of the International
Association of Fire Chiefs. He served on the Board of Directors of
the West Virginia Professional Fire Chiefs and as a long-standing
Member of the West Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. He has
also worked as an instructor at the West Virginia Fire School and was a Captain on the Williamson Lifesaving Crew from 1955-1973; and
Whereas, Grover C. Phillips also served in numerous community-
related organizations, including the Williamson Board of Parks and
Recreation and, as President, was instrumental in acquiring
$500,000 in grants for the city; the Salvation Army Advisory Board;
the Mingo County Emergency Services Board; and the Mingo County
Muscular Dystrophy Association, an association he has chaired for
32 years and for which he helped raise over $300,000. Phillips was
also instrumental in raising $26,000 for the New York City
Firefighters' Children Scholarship Fund following the terrorist
attacks on September 11, 2001; and
Whereas, Grover C. Phillips is a 32 degree Mason of the
O'Brian Lodge 101 and a Member of the Scottish Rite and the Beni
Kedem Temple. He is a Member and Past President of the Tug Valley
Shrine Club; and
Whereas, During his many years of service, Grover C. Phillips
has been bestowed numerous awards, including Kentucky Colonel,
Honorary Kentucky State Police Kentucky Colonel and Honorary
Admiral of the Tug Valley Navy. In 2000, he was inducted into the
Williamson High School Sports Hall of Fame and was named Citizen of
the Year by the Williamson Chamber of Commerce. The new emergency
services building, which houses the Williamson Fire and Police
Departments, was named the Grover C. Phillips Emergency Services
Building in honor and recognition of Phillips' dedication and commitment to the citizens of Williamson; and
Whereas, Grover C. Phillips is married to his beloved wife
Shelby, with whom he has shared the joy of having three children,
Bobby, Lisa and Lora; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the outstanding achievements
of Grover C. Phillips, former Fire Chief of Williamson, dedicated
public servant and outstanding West Virginian, and extends its
sincere appreciation for his many years of dedicated service and
contributions to the citizens of Williamson and the State of West
Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to Grover C. Phillips.