A senate RESOLUTION

To recognize the first annual Anderson Fire Department Awards and Promotion Ceremony and to congratulate Lt. Anthony Ragsdale for being awarded the Meritorius Action Award.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to recognize the first annual Anderson Fire Department Awards and Promotion Ceremony. The event aims to recognize new hires, congratulate those who have earned promotions, applaud bravery shown in response to difficult incidents, and recognize the department's Firefighter of the Year; and

Whereas, the firefighters of the City of Anderson selflessly put their lives on the line to protect their community. In their service they aggressively respond to all fires, high priority medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and perform technical rescues. For their continued dedication to the city they have sworn to protect, these brave men and women are more than deserving of the awards bestowed upon them; and

Whereas, among the various high honors to be given at the ceremony will be the Meritorious Action award. This high distinction is to be awarded to Lt. Anthony Ragsdale, a Honea Path resident, for his heroic actions on June 27, 2023. When responding to a house fire, he searched ahead of the hose line and was able to locate, provide protection for, and begin the extraction of an elderly gentleman from the burning home. Thanks to the efforts of Lt. Ragsdale and the Augusta Burn Center where the rescued citizen was treated, the man made a near-full recovery and was able to return home; and

Whereas, the Anderson Fire Department Awards and Promotion Ceremony will be held at the Anderson County Library at 6pm on Thursday, February 1, 2024; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate appreciates the crucial service of the firefighters of Anderson, and the members wish the department a continued history of success and safety in the years ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize the first annual Anderson Fire Department Awards and Promotion Ceremony and congratulate Lt. Anthony Ragsdale for being awarded the Meritorious Action award.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Fire Chief Charles V. King and Lt. Anthony Ragsdale.

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