During the 1974 Session of the General Assembly, the Senate and House of Delegates adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 43, directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the feasibility of establishing fire service training facilities and the advisability and feasibility of the establishment of a State sponsored and supported central headquarters for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. Pursuant to this request, the Council appointed one of its members, Delegate Robert Gwathmey, III, of Mechanisville to be Chairman of a Committee to conduct the study. The following persons were selected to serve with Mr. Gwathmey as members of this Committee: Mr. Aerts Colby of Roundhill; Mr. Joseph Crockett of Galax; Delegate Garry G. DeBruhl of Critz; Mr. Otis L. Hall of Mechanicsville; Mr. Charles T. Moses of Appomattox; Delegate Alexander B. McMurtrie of Midlothian; Delegate Lacey E. Putney of Bedford; Delegate C. Jefferson Stafford of Pearisburg; Senator Charles L. Waddell of Sterling; and Senator George M. Warren of Bristol. As a result of its study, the Committee concluded that "a central headquarters for volunteer rescue squads should be established to develop, implement and coordinate policies and programs applying to all phases of activity within the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads."

In addition, the Committee concluded that "there is a need for more extensive fire service training in the Commonwealth and that the creation of strategically located training facilities in the State is a viable method for fulfilling the need for professional training oriented toward improving the effectiveness of fire departments, developing leadership for fire prevention and reducing fire fighter injuries." The Council accepted the report of its Committee and directed that such report be printed and distributed to the Governor and the members of the General Assembly without recommendations.

The Council, having presented the report without recommendations, was directed to continue its study pertaining to fire service training facilities. Pursuant to the Council's request, the General Assembly adopted House Joint Resolution No. 210.