WHEREAS, Lieutenant Steven Michael Cassada, a respected law-enforcement officer and a beloved friend to many in Halifax County, died on January 5, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Halifax County, Steven "Steve" Michael Cassada was an integral member of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office for 34 years; and

WHEREAS, one of the department's most senior officers, Steve Cassada was known as an ambassador to the community and a mentor to other officers, treating everyone he met with kindness and decency; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cassada faithfully served the Halifax County Sheriff's Office in a variety of roles, handling equipment purchases and inventory, and serving as firearms instructor and evidence custodian; and

WHEREAS, also working with several local news outlets as the department's public relations officer, Steve Cassada was praised for his dedication to keeping the public informed in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, known for his quick wit, Steve Cassada put people at ease and brightened the days of his coworkers and friends with jokes; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cassada enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was a member of American Legion Post No. 8 and the local Legion Riders; and

WHEREAS, remembered as an "officer and a gentleman," Steve Cassada was an example of the professionalism and devotion to the community shown by law-enforcement officers throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Steve Cassada is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Vicky; children, Angela, Hollie, and Allen, and their families; and many other family members, friends, and fellow officers at the Halifax County Sheriff's Office; 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 a dedicated law-enforcement officer and an irreplaceable member of the Halifax County community, Lieutenant Steven Michael Cassada; 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 Lieutenant Steven Michael Cassada as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.