A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Captain Rollins Rhodes of the Florence COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Captain Rollins Rhodes of the Florence County Sheriff's Office was awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 26, 2023, for taking decisive action that prevented a death; and

Whereas, the award is presented annually to law enforcement officers who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or act with unusual swiftness, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, on April 11, 2022, Captain Rhodes was having lunch at KJ' s Restaurant in Lake City, on which day several others were eating lunch in the restaurant. Among the diners was a female who worked for the City of Lake City, who suddenly started choking; and

Whereas, she was first noticed by another customer eating lunch, who immediately called Captain Rhodes by his first name so that he could help her; and

Whereas, Captain Rhodes offered assistance to her, but she was not able to dislodge the obstruction on her own. As she visibly began to look weak, Captain Rhodes administered the Heimlich maneuver, and after the second attempt, the obstruction was dislodged, the victim began breathing normally; and

Whereas, without the prompt response and lifesaving efforts from Captain Rhodes, this situation could have had a much different result; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Medal of Valor was awarded to Captain Rhodes for his presence of mind and quick action in an attempt to save a human life; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Rollins Rhodes who put their lives on the line every day and who provide safety and security to protect the citizens of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Captain Rollins Rhodes of the Florence County Sheriff's Office and congratulate him for being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Captain Rollins Rhodes.

----XX----