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HJ286 • 2026

Celebrating the life of Robert Dean Clary.

Celebrating the life of Robert Dean Clary.

Education
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Wachsmann
Last action
2026-04-13
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The candidate explanation included details about Clary's role as an adjunct fire instructor that were supported by the bill text, but it did not include all specific details such as the exact years of service or his roles outside firefighting.

Celebrating the Life of Robert Dean Clary

This legislation celebrates and honors the life and career of Robert Dean Clary, a dedicated firefighter who served in various departments for over 28 years.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes the death of Robert Dean Clary on March 2, 2026.
  • Highlights his dedication to public safety as a firefighter and paramedic.
  • Acknowledges his service with the Gasburg Volunteer Fire Department and Central Rescue Squad.
  • Commends his role as an adjunct fire instructor for over 20 years.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Robert Dean Clary's family
  • The firefighting community in Virginia

Terms To Know

Adjunct fire instructor
A part-time teacher who trains new firefighters and helps them learn about fire safety.
Volunteer Fire Department
An organization where people work as unpaid firefighters to help their community.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The legislation does not provide any financial support or benefits.
  • It only expresses the General Assembly's respect for Robert Dean Clary and his contributions.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-13 House

    Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ286ER)

  2. 2026-03-12 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate by voice vote

  3. 2026-03-12 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate

  4. 2026-03-12 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate

  5. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Received

  6. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

  7. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Received

  8. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

  9. 2026-03-10 House

    Engrossed by House

  10. 2026-03-10 House

    Agreed to by House

  11. 2026-03-09 House

    Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26109277D

Official Summary Text

Celebrating the life of Robert Dean Clary.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Celebrating the life of Robert Dean Clary.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Robert Dean Clary, a deeply dedicated firefighter and a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on March 2, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Dean Clary was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, to Marvin and Louise Clary; and
WHEREAS, after attending college for a few years, Dean Clary ultimately decided to pursue a career in public safety, working for various departments as a firefighter and paramedic; and
WHEREAS, in 1984, Dean Clary joined the Gasburg Volunteer Fire Department, and in 1985, he joined the Central Rescue Squad, then subsequently served as president of the squad; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Dean Clary answered countless calls for service in a variety of emergency situations and was a trusted mentor to other firefighters; he served for 20 years as an adjunct fire instructor and earned many awards and accolades for his commitment to safeguarding members of the public and excellence in fire safety education; and
WHEREAS, Dean Clary retired from Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services as a lieutenant in 2024, concluding more than 28 years of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, outside of his career, Dean Clary was a well-known history and trivia buff, an avid NASCAR fan, and a supporter of the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his father, Marvin, Dean Clary will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife, Sandra; his children, Adam, Stephanie, Brittany, and Timothy, and their families; his mother, Louise; and numerous other family members, friends, and fellow firefighters; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Robert Dean Clary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert Dean Clary as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.