Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HJR0124

Introduced
2/5/25  
Engrossed
2/6/25  
Enrolled
2/14/25  

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Fire Chief William Culbertson, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement from the Smyrna Fire Department.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 124 is a ceremonial measure that honors and commends Fire Chief William Culbertson, Jr. of the Smyrna Fire Department upon his retirement. The resolution recites his more than 30 years of service as fire chief, his family’s long history in public service, and his role in helping the department grow alongside Smyrna’s population increase. It also highlights his early start in the fire service, his work as the first full-time employee in the department’s history, and his leadership in expanding fire stations, personnel, and community programs. The resolution further describes Culbertson’s contributions to public safety and community engagement, including youth outreach, fire prevention efforts, food drives, honor guard activities, and the department’s drone program and fire codes enforcement capacity. It also notes his leadership during the 2016 Blue Angels jet crash response and his reputation for professionalism and integrity. The measure concludes by extending best wishes for his retirement and directing that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.

Impact

This resolution does not amend, create, or repeal any state law or statute. Its legal effect is limited to a formal legislative commendation entered into the record by the Tennessee House and Senate. The practical impact is symbolic: it publicly recognizes an individual public servant and the Smyrna Fire Department, but it does not change duties, funding, regulatory authority, or rights of any person or agency.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and celebratory. The floor votes were unanimous in both chambers, indicating broad bipartisan agreement and no recorded opposition. The resolution was treated as a consent-style commendation, reflecting routine legislative support for honoring a long-serving local official.

Contention

There is no apparent substantive contention in the bill text, and no committee transcript is available showing debate or disagreement. Because the measure is purely honorary, the only possible point of discussion would be the appropriateness of legislative recognition itself, but the unanimous votes suggest no meaningful opposition. The resolution focuses on praise for Chief Culbertson’s career, community service, and retirement, rather than on any policy issue.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TN HJR0231

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Fire Chief David Windrow on the occasion of his retirement from the Nolensville Fire Department.

TN SR0274

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Fire Chief Kenny Newell on the occasion of his retirement from the Adamsville Fire Department.

TN SJR0038

A RESOLUTION to honor Chief Roger Robinson on the occasion of his retirement from the Alcoa Fire Department.

TN HJR0937

A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Chief John Linsenbigler, longtime officer with the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, on the occasion of his retirement.

TN SJR1097

A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Chief John Linsenbigler, longtime officer with the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, on the occasion of his retirement.

TN SJR0347

A RESOLUTION to recognize and commend Chief Joe Williams of the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department.

TN H5561

Fire Chief David Jennings, retirement

TN SJR1087

A RESOLUTION to honor Dewey V. Woody, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement.

TN SJR0173

A RESOLUTION to recognize Chief Scott Boyd of the Kingsport Fire Department on the occasion of his retirement.

TN J01310

Honoring Firefighter William J. Clark Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Albertson Fire Company

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