Commemorating the lives and legacies of Frank E. Young and John R. Hudgins, Jr.

Commemorating the lives and legacies of Frank E. Young and John R. Hudgins, Jr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, February 26, 2026
WHEREAS, on March 18, 1996, two firefighter specialists with the Chesapeake Fire Department, Frank E. Young and John R. Hudgins, Jr., died in the line of duty when a roof assembly collapsed due to an extremely fast-moving fire in an auto parts store located in Chesapeake; and
WHEREAS, Frank Young began his career with the Chesapeake Fire Department on August 3, 1981, and was assigned to A Shift of Fire Station 4, with 15 years of service; he left behind his son, Steven; and
WHEREAS, John “Johnny” R. Hudgins, Jr., began his career with the Chesapeake Fire Department on January 6, 1986, and was assigned to A Shift of Fire Station 3, with 10 years of service; he left behind his wife, Allison, and their two sons, Jordan and Joshua; and
WHEREAS, following the deaths of Frank Young and Johnny Hudgins, the Chesapeake Fire Department implemented 16 initiatives across operations, equipment, and training programs to enhance the safety and health of its firefighters; and
WHEREAS, every member of the Chesapeake Fire Department in the field is now assigned a portable radio and the latest advances in personal protective equipment, including turnout gear and a breathing apparatus; and
WHEREAS, every recruit that joins the Chesapeake Fire Department also learns the story of Frank Young and Johnny Hudgins, reading the after action reports, studying the events that took place that day, and completing a rigorous MAYDAY alert and firefighter survival program before they graduate; and
WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Fire Department and the Professional Fire Fighters of Chesapeake, Local 2449 honor the lives of Frank Young and Johnny Hudgins every year and are committed to never forgetting their courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commemorate the lives and legacies of Frank E. Young and John R. Hudgins, Jr., on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of their deaths in the line of duty; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to the families of Frank E. Young and John R. Hudgins, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their service and sacrifice.