Senate: Jackson

Attorney: Ravenel

Drafting Assistant: Rogers

Date: March 18, 2025

DOC. ID.: /LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL/VR/DRAFTS/LC-0219VR-JAH25/LC-0219VR-JAH25.DOCX

 

 

A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO COMMEND MICAH ROTH, ELIZA JONES, AND HAMPTON ROGERS OF COLUMBIA FOR THEIR HEROIC ACTS IN HELPING EXTINGUISH A KITCHEN FIRE AND RESCUE A FELLOW CITY RESIDENT FROM HER BURNING HOME.

 

Whereas, when Dreher High School distance runners set out for their weekly run on Monday, February 10, 2025, the routine after-school practice turned into a lifesaving mission for three of the young athletes; and

 

Whereas, Micah Roth, Eliza Jones, and Hampton Rogers were among a dozen student athletes running through Columbia's Shandon neighborhood when they heard a woman screaming for help. Turning around, they saw a house on fire with thick smoke pouring out of it; and

 

Whereas, without hesitation, the three student athletes ran back to help the homeowner, identified as Donna McIntosh Aiken. After entering the home and making their way to the kitchen, they discovered the gas stove ablaze. Micah Roth grabbed the fire extinguisher and put out the flames, while Eliza Jones helped Ms. Aiken, who was in shock, get out of the house. Hampton Rogers made sure no one else entered the home and asked a young couple walking by to call 9-1-1; and

 

Whereas, the student athletes also attempted to rescue the woman's five pound Yorkshire terrier, Dash, from an adjacent room, but the cloud of acidic smoke was too thick. The trio stayed with Ms. Aiken until the fire department arrived and got the fire under control. The firefighters, who arrived quickly, were able to bring Dash to safety and ensure that the fire was extinguished; and

 

Whereas, when asked how they felt about being called heroes, these brave teenagers responded that they did not consider themselves heroes, just kids who were in the right place at the right time. "They didn't hesitate. They didn't have second thoughts," Aiken said. "I think this is going to impact them for the rest of their lives."; and

 

Whereas, Micah Roth, Eliza Jones, and Hampton Rogers saw a stranger in need and put their own lives on the line to rescue a fellow citizen and her pet from a burning home, after which they quietly returned to their workout running back to the Blue Devils campus. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend Micah Roth, Eliza Jones, and Hampton Rogers of Columbia for their heroic acts in helping extinguish a kitchen fire and rescue a fellow city resident from her burning home.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Micah Roth, Eliza Jones, and Hampton Rogers.

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