A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE Chief Michael Lancaster UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS thirty-two YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Chief Michael Lancaster upon the occasion of his retirement from Southside Fire Department; and

Whereas, a native of Spartanburg, Chief Lancaster was born to parents James C. Lancaster and Shirley T. Lancaster. He graduated from Union High School in June of 1988; and

Whereas, in December of 1991, Chief Lancaster joined the Southside Volunteer Fire Department. Through the years he rose in rank, and in 2004 he was elected fire chief. He served as fire chief for twenty years; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Chief Lancaster is heavily involved in the Fire Association and is a past president of the Union County Fire Chiefs Association. In 1992, he joined the City of Union Fire Department as a volunteer. He is a member of the South Carolina Fire Fighters By-Laws Committee and an instructor with the South Carolina Fire Academy. He also served as a former NASCAR official; and

Whereas, during his time as a volunteer fire fighter, Chief Lancaster secured several FEMA grants for PPE, including air packs and other various equipment along with replacing two Pumper Trucks and one service unit with all new units. In the last ten years, he wrote the Automatic Aid Agreement for Union County, which allows the departments to better assist the citizens of Union County; and

Whereas, a devout Christian, he is a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church; and

Whereas, Chief Lancaster is married to Elizabeth Walker Lancaster, and together they have one son, Grayson Lancaster. They own the Bantam Chef of Union, a family restaurant owned by Elizabeth's parents before their retirement. Chief Lancaster has worked in this family business since 1992; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Chief Michael Lancaster has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Chief Michael Lancaster upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his thirty-two years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Michael Lancaster.

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