HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4659, by Representatives O'Brien, Hine, Zellinsky, Orr, R. King, Winsley, Valle, Wilson, Prince, Wineberry, Nelson, Jacobsen, Phillips, Day, Heavey, Inslee, Leonard and Anderson

     WHEREAS, John D. Richmond has served with dedication and sincerity in behalf of fire fighters of the State of Washington for twenty-five years; and

     WHEREAS, John Richmond was a distinguished member of the Washington State Retirement Board for twelve years where he was known as a conscientious and strong advocate for the rights and principles of retiree benefits; and

     WHEREAS, John Richmond has had a varied career serving as a merchant seaman from 1937 to 1946, on a troop ship in World War II in the South Pacific and Alaska, and as a member of the King County Council Redistricting Commission; and

     WHEREAS, John Richmond left the high seas to become Captain of the Seattle Fireboat in 1946 where he served until his retirement in 1972; and

     WHEREAS, John Richmond was honored by his fellow fire fighters by election to the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Seattle Fire Fighters Local Number 27, and later by his election as President of the Seattle Retired Fire Fighters Association; and

     WHEREAS, John Richmond in these honored positions was often characterized by the comment "this will go on your record"; and

     WHEREAS, John Richmond demonstrated his commitment to fire fighters' personnel as he diligently pursued their interests in pension reform, adequate salaries, and safety conditions;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend its heartiest congratulations and best wishes to John Richmond on his retirement from the Washington State Retirement Board, and share with him on this occasion, which must be a genuine source of personal satisfaction, that, as a fire fighter leader, he made a life commitment so that all fire fighter officers and their families could lead happier and more meaningful lives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to John Richmond.

     I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

     Resolution 4659 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         April 10, 1991.

     ________________________________     ______________________________

        Alan Thompson, Chief Clerk,              John L. O'Brien,

         House of Representatives                Speaker Pro Tempore