HCR 135

R-159  Page 1 of 1
2025
No. R-159. House concurrent resolution honoring esteemed Bennington Rural
Firefighter Timothy Burgess.
                                         (H.C.R.135)
   Offered by Representatives Morrissey of Bennington, Corcoran of Bennington, Greer
of Bennington, and Nigro of Bennington
   Offered by Senators Bongartz and Plunkett
   Whereas, Timothy Burgess has been a hard-working Bennington Rural Fire
Department (BRFD) member since 1976 and an exemplary fire prevention advocate and
educator both locally and statewide, and
   Whereas, his keen interest in firefighting was apparent from the moment he joined the
department, as he performed his duties diligently and enthusiastically, rising through the
ranks from an entry-level firefighter to lieutenant, to captain, and, ultimately, assistant
chief, and
   Whereas, Tim Burgess’s numerous departmental roles have included serving as the
organization’s president, and as a member of the truck committee, he repeatedly traveled
out of state to review progress on the construction of new fire trucks, and
   Whereas, his involvement in the world of fire prevention has extended beyond his own
department, as president of the Bennington County Mutual Aid Association Inc. and
through his active membership in the New England Association of Fire Chiefs and the
Vermont State Firefighters’ Association (VSFA), and
   Whereas, as a lifetime member of VSFA, he served as a Bennington County
representative, encouraged young firefighters to enroll in Vermont Fire Academy training
classes, judged fire truck and firefighting competitions, arranged for annual meetings
throughout the State, served as sergeant at arms for annual meetings, and served on the
scholarship committee that financially assists young individuals starting first-responder
careers, and one year, the VSFA yearbook was dedicated to him, in recognition of his
outstanding service, and
   Whereas, Tim Burgess’s interest in educating future firefighters led to his involvement
with the Southern Vermont Regional Fire School, and he traveled to area schools for fire
safety presentations, and, in appreciation of these initiatives, Mt. Anthony Union Middle
School recognized him as a Hometown Hero, and
   Whereas, at the BRFD 2025 annual dinner, his colleagues will pay special tribute to
Tim Burgess for his exemplary service to the department and the Vermont firefighting
and prevention community, now therefore be it
   Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
  That the General Assembly honors esteemed Bennington Rural Firefighter Timothy
Burgess, and be it further
  Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
Tim Burgess.
                                                                             VT LEG #383702 v.1