TO HONOR AND COMMEND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE CLARENDON COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE FOR PERPETUALLY SHOWING COURAGE IN THE FACE OF GREAT DANGER AND TO RECOGNIZE THEIR DEDICATION TO THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY THEY SERVE.
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina find it altogether fitting and proper to pause in their deliberations to commend the everyday bravery shown by the men and women of the Clarendon County Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Service who daily commit themselves to protecting their community; and
Whereas, one shining example of the imperative, selfless service they provide was on the night of March 5, 2017, at approximately 9:30 p.m. A moment of carelessness by a driver led to a two-car accident with eight victims. The Fire Department was immediately dispatched to the scene. In the dark on Silver Road and Summerton Highway, the responding firefighters quickly rushed to the aid of the victims. Making split second decisions and relying on their extensive training, these men and women forgot all else for the sake of providing the best care to people in their time of need; and
Whereas, quickly evaluating the scene, the firefighters treated the passengers in preparation for the EMS team already on the way. Upon realizing a medical airlift was going to be necessary, they established a landing zone, controlled traffic, and supplied lighting for the rest of the responders then showing up to the scene; and
Whereas, the brave men and women who assisted the rescue operation on March 5 were: Henry Bozard, Alfred Breedin, Anthony Brooker, Angie Bruner, Jay Bruner, Josh Bryant, Jenn Connors, Michael Cothran, Dan Darby, R. J. Feagin, Jason Hardy, Blake Johnson, Josh Jordan, Daishawn McFadden, Bucky Mock, Kevin Moye, Jamie Nance, Frances Richbourg, Robert Ridgeway, S. J. Saengjunt, Paul Shipp, Joseph Stukes, and Jessica Weinberg; and
Whereas, the Clarendon County Fire Department has 130 firefighters on their roster. Of those firefighters, 75 percent are volunteers. These impressive men and women risk their lives daily for the security of Clarendon’s citizens not just in the case of fire, but in the case of many emergency situations, oftentimes arriving first on the scene; and
Whereas, heroism in the common day is not celebrated enough. It is for this reason that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly wish to express their immense gratitude for the firefighters of Clarendon County. It is first responders and citizens like these that make the Palmetto State truly great. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor and commend the men and women of the Clarendon County Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Service for perpetually showing courage in the face of great danger and recognize their dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the community they serve.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Clarendon County Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Service.
