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A resolution honoring the life of longtime Office of Emergency Management volunteer Jonnie Michael Speight.
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WHEREAS, Jonnie Michael Speight passed away on May 11, 2024, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Speight began volunteering for the Office of Emergency Management (“OEM”), in 1969 when it was known as Civil Defense; and
WHEREAS, during his time as a volunteer, he responded to thousands of emergency and nonemergency calls; and
WHEREAS, he volunteered with the Emergency Support Unit during major events including the February 1994 ice storm, May 1998 tornado, May 2010 flood, March 2020 tornado, COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 Christmas Day bombing, March 2021 flood, and the December 2023 tornado; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Speight was dedicated to his service and to his fellow volunteers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Speight was awarded with the Chief’s Award in May 2024, which is awarded to individuals who show superior effort and achievement which contributes greatly to the safety, appearance, supervision, administration, management, proficiency, or public relations of the Nashville Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, in addition to volunteering with OEM, Mr. Speight worked for DuPont, Reemay, Fiberweb, and Berry Global; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Speight was a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church and, when he was not at work or on call with OEM, he could be found somewhere on a tractor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Speight is survived by his wife Joyce Cumming Speight, daughter Hallie Sloan and her husband David, son Charles and his wife Anita, son Michael, his “adopted son” Norman Taulbee, four granddaughters, two step-granddaughters, and two great grandsons; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the life of Jonnie Michael Speight and his nearly 55 years of service to the Office of Emergency Management and the safety of the residents of Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of longtime Office of Emergency Management volunteer Jonnie Michael Speight.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.