2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102433D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 549

Offered January 27, 2025

Commending the first responders of Marion and Smyth County.

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Patron—Arnold

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WHEREAS, on September 27, 2024, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, several first responders of Marion and Smyth County demonstrated remarkable bravery and heroism as they came to the aid of a drowning child; and

WHEREAS, after an 11-year old boy was swept away by swift water, members of the Marion Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, the Marion Police Department, the Smyth County Sheriff's Office, and the Smyth County Fire and EMS Department quickly jumped into action to come to his rescue; and

WHEREAS, using ropes to navigate through the fast-moving current, the first responders managed to retrieve the boy and move him to a nearby church parking lot, where he was ultimately revived through chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; and

WHEREAS, the individuals involved with this daring and lifesaving rescue included Marion Fire and EMS Department members Brett Miller, Richard Keesling, Ben Cregger, Sam Widener, and Rusty Hamm; Marion Police Department members Jordon Propst, Josh Taylor, and Keith Finney; Smyth County Sheriff's Office members Dr. Peter “Doc” Bruzzo, Gale Greer, Stacy Hess, Roger Dowell, Landon Smith, and Christian Centeno, as well as the office's dispatchers Carly Greer, Megan Taylor, Lakin Hess, Kayleigh Jackson, and Jill Robbins; and Smyth County Fire and EMS Department members Curtis Crawford and Aaron Blevins; and

WHEREAS, the actions of the first responders of Marion and Smyth County are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians, who make extraordinary sacrifices every day to ensure the safety and security of communities across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the first responders of Marion and Smyth County hereby be commended for their courage, skill, and service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the first responders of Marion and Smyth County as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for their contributions to the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth.