* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmembers Porter and Cohen
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Honoring the Efforts of First Responders in Southeast Baltimore and Remembering the Victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
For the purpose of honoring the efforts of first responders to the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse and remembering the victims of the emergency.
body
Recitals
Whereas, on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, the Baltimore City Fire Department was the first on the scene to what was not only a City, but also a State and federal emergency, at the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, arriving in less than 10 minutes to begin active triage and rescue efforts.
Whereas, the following individuals served as Fire Dispatch staff: Fire Dispatch
Administrators Sherry Wagner and Paul Demme, Dispatchers Amelia Hemsley, Shawnetta Moore, Phillip Surdel, Michele Dunphy, Shamonique Davis, Raymond Smith, Cherry Bradley, Queen Levere, Nicole Green, Tyeshia Wilson, and Fire Dispatch Supervisor Sterling Bailey
Whereas, the following individuals served as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians: emergency vehicle drivers Kevin Larkins and Greg Nelson, Lieutenant James Lankford, firefighters Andrew Vernon, Evan Magee, and Douglas Thomas, Captain Brian Spina, and Officer Andrew Pallante.
Whereas, Captain David O’Malley, Lieutenant Joshua Shaffer, Deputy Chief Carl Knight, Lieutenant Clark Cathey, Paramedic Christopher Coleman, Lieutenant Kristopher Gaasch, emergency vehicle drivers Richard Haines and Gregory Nelson, Captain Patrick Hurley, Paramedic Eric Johnson, Captain James Oliver, Battalion Chief Richard Parker, III, Captain Scott Parrott, and firefighters Jerry Smith and Marc Taylor served as the Dive Rescue Team, which worked to rescue and recover the victims of the bridge collapse.
Whereas, Paramedics Antonio Wallace and Carlos Rodriguez provided emergency medical support at the site.
Whereas, the Baltimore City Fire Department’s leaders, including Chief James Wallace, Initial Incident Commander Battalion Chief Dean Denning, and Battallion Technician Lt. Roger Steger, provided around-the-clock oversight, guidance, and steady calm in the face of a dynamic rescue effort.
Whereas, the entire City of Baltimore mourns the loss of Miguel Luna, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Jose Mynor Lopez, and Carlos Hernandez and the City Council expresses its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones during this difficult time.
Whereas, Baltimore and the City Council will continue to hold these victims and their families close as they heal and recover from the tragedy.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the City City Council honors our first responders for their work at the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse and their daily efforts to protect the citizens of Baltimore. The City Council is committed to lifting up the fearless work of these public servants, supporting them in their exposure to trauma, and providing the support needed to assist the best fire department in the country.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City
Council.