Senate Joint Resolution No. 43 (Appendix I) directed the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the advisability and feasibility of the establishment of a State sponsored and supported central headquarters for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, and the feasibility of establishing a statewide fire service training facility, such study to be completed by September 1, 1974.

Pursuant to this Resolution a committee was appointed. The members were: Aerts Colby, Roundhill; Joseph Crockett, Galax; Honorable Garry G. DeBruhl, Critz; Honorable Robert R. Gwathmey, III, Hanover; Otis L. Hall, Mechanicsville; Charles T. Moses, Appomattox; Honorable Alexander B. McMurtrie, Midlothian; Honorable Lacey E. Putney, Bedford; Honorable C. Jefferson Stafford, Pearisburg; Senator Charles L. Waddell, Sterling, and Senator George M. Warren, Jr., Bristol.

Honorable Robert R. Gwathmey, III, served as Chairman and Senator George M. Warren, Jr., served as Vice-Chairman. The Chairman appointed two Subcommittees, one chaired by Senator George M. Warren, Jr., to study the advisability and feasibility of the establishment of a State sponsored and supported central headquarters for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, and another chaired by Senator Charles L. Waddell, to study the need for fire service training facilities in the Commonwealth.

In the course of the study two public hearings were held in the State Capitol at which representatives of local government, paid and volunteer firemen, rescue squad members and interested citizens appeared and spoke.