A leader passes

 

"Cutting the ribbon" on Station 6 
 in 2017

Our world became a little emptier on June 21 when the Honorable Susan Lascolette went home to her Lord.

Susan represented District 1 on the Goochland Board of Supervisors for 12 years. She was a member of the “revolution board” that metaphorically held hands and walked through fire to move the county from the brink of bankruptcy to being the smallest county in the country to earn three AAA bond ratings.

She understood that decisions should be made to benefit the entire county. Susan knew that holding elected office was not a popularity contest and that no matter how hard she worked, she could not make everyone happy. Susan was ever faithful to her conservative principles.

Getting the county’s fiscal house in order while preserving the rural nature of most of Goochland, especially her district, and providing excellent core services of law enforcement and fire-rescue were her priorities.

During her tenure as a supervisor, Susan served as board chair and vice chair reflecting the confidence others had in her leadership.

Her funeral service, held at Goochland High School on June 27, was well attended by friends, supporters, neighbors, many dignitaries including the entire board of supervisors, and District 10 State Senator Luther Cifers.

“Susan was one of the first people I talked to when considering a run for office. She freely gave me her time and wisdom, for which I am eternally grateful,” said Cifers.

Goochland Steven N. Creasey recalled sharing many conversations with Susan about how good decisions are made. “Whether we agreed or disagreed, I always walked away having learned something. Susan challenged people to think differently. She understood that public safety is the strong foundation of our community. She respected the work and sacrifices made by our deputies, dispatchers, and fire-rescue personnel and did not take them for granted. She never forgot that public service is, and should be, all about the people. Goochland County is a better place because of Susan’s leadership. Her legacy is not in decisions but leaders she mentored and countless lives she touched. Susan never stopped believing that tomorrow would be better if people were just willing to work together with respect and purpose.

Creasey thanked Susan for her support, which enabled the Sheriff’s Office to grow and better serve the community.

Sheriff Creasey presented a flag of his department that flew over the Courthouse to Susan’s family.

 Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. recalled Susan’s steadfast support of fire-rescue.

“She was a true leader in every respect on so many levels for so many people,” he said. When she was first elected to the Board of Supervisors, Susan toured all fire-rescue stations including what was then station 6, a small garage that had been repurposed and barely adequate. She joined Hadensville Company 6 fire-rescue auxiliary 2013 and became the driving force for building the first county-owned fire-rescue station, Hadensville Company 6, which opened in 2017, and became very protective of it.

The new Company 6 said Ferguson “changed the way that we serve the entire county. In the aftermath of the 2022 winter storm that paralyzed the region we received first priority to get National Guard resources deployed there to help clear the trees in Goochland and Louisa”.

Support under Susan’s watch enabled increasing fire-rescue career staff, improving volunteer incentives, upgrades of existing stations and the training center and new stations in Sandy Hook and West Creek.

“I recall how proud she was in 2019 when we were able to staff all six stations with two career providers 24/7, “said Ferguson. “Susan was a guiding star and champion of all things fire-rescue. We are the fire-rescue department, but the truth is that she rescued us so we can rescue others. Leaders are much like eagles, they don’t flock, you find them one at a time.”

Rest in peace Susan.