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TO HONOR AND COMMEND LIEUTENANT CHRIS CHILDERS, SERGEANT TIM INMAN, CORPORAL JONATHAN HARRIS, DEPUTY BLAKE ADAMS, DEPUTY JACOB LITTLE, AND LANCE CORPORAL LAWRENCE HODGE FOR THEIR HEROIC EFFORTS ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives wish to pause in their deliberations to recognize Lieutenant Chris Childers, Sergeant Tim Inman, Corporal Jonathan Harris, Deputy Blake Adams, Deputy Jacob Little, and Lance Corporal Lawrence Hodge for their heroism in the face of imminent danger on May 7, 2017; and
Whereas, on May 7, 2017, deputies with the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), assisted by officers with the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety (WDPS) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), were the first emergency responders to arrive on scene at a residential fire in Winnsboro; and
Whereas, upon arrival, the residence was found to be fully engulfed in flames with a woman standing outside screaming that her family was inside. While waiting for additional emergency response personnel and equipment, Lt. Chris Childers broke the bedroom windows and attempted to make contact with anyone inside the residence; and
Whereas, when the first fire truck arrived, Lt. Childers and Sgt. Tim Inman manned firehoses and managed to suppress some of the flames at the front door of the residence. WDPS Officer Jacob Little, who is currently a FCSO Deputy, donned firefighting gear and prepared to enter the residence. With the support of the deputies manning the fire hoses, Officer Little entered the home to search for victims; and
Whereas, while attempting to suppress the flames, these deputies placed themselves in great danger. Body-worn camera footage shows flames, breaking windows, and explosions from electrical wires occurring within feet of these officers. They continued with their efforts despite the obvious growing risks to their own lives; and
Whereas, as Officer Little went into the home, some officers continued to man the firehoses while others went to a bedroom window. Officer Little carried the victims to the same window and passed them out to Lt. Childers, Sgt. Inman, Cpl. Jonathan Harris, Dep. Blake Adams, and SCHP L/Cpl. Lawrence Hodge. As each person was brought outside, these officers administered CPR in an attempt to resuscitate them. Tragically, the father, son, and daughter all died from smoke inhalation; and
Whereas, frequently, we readily recognize heroic efforts which lead to miraculous outcomes and the preservation of lives. However, it is just as important to acknowledge the heroic efforts of individuals even when tragedy cannot be averted. These officers risked their own safety for total strangers, going above and beyond the call of duty in a valiant attempt to save lives. As with any critical incident, these officers will always carry a self-imposed burden of wondering if they could have done more. It is our job to assure them that they not only did their best, but did as much and more than could be asked for or expected of them; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina are grateful to call such brave, selfless individuals sons of the Palmetto State and cannot adequately express their appreciation for the harrowing, courageous acts these men have committed themselves to face on a daily basis. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and commend Lieutenant Chris Childers, Sergeant Tim Inman, Corporal Jonathan Harris, Deputy Blake Adams, Deputy Jacob Little, and Lance Corporal Lawrence Hodge for their heroic efforts above and beyond the call of duty.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lieutenant Chris Childers, Sergeant Tim Inman, Corporal Jonathan Harris, Deputy Blake Adams, Deputy Jacob Little, Lance Corporal Lawrence Hodge, and Sheriff Will Montgomery.
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