Senate Resolution 34

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING VINCENT CASTIGLIOLA, JR., UPON RECEIVING A CARNEGIE HERO FUND MEDAL.

WHEREAS, a split-second decision on a Sunday afternoon in January 2000 to help someone in distress turned Vincent Castigliola, Jr., into a hero; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Castigliola, Jr., has been awarded a Carnegie Hero Fund Medal for his efforts that helped save a 10-year-old boy from drowning in the Gulf of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Castigliola saved Jacob Powers from drowning on January 15, 2000, after the boy and his father, Jeffrey Powers, became caught in a strong offshore current while swimming at Perdido Key, Florida, east of Pensacola; and

WHEREAS, jeopardizing his own life, Castigliola swam out to assist the pair and began swimming with Jacob on his shoulders and pulling the boy's father along as the trio fought the current; and

WHEREAS, after 10-15 minutes of struggle, Castigliola was able to safely reach the shore with Jacob, and further down the beach, the father, Jeffrey Powers, reached a sandbar and walked to shore; and

WHEREAS, Castigliola was one of two Mississippians honored by the Carnegie Commission; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Castigliola, Jr., 50, is an attorney in Pascagoula, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the quick response and heroic act of an outstanding Mississippian such as Vincent Castigliola, Jr.:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Vincent Castigliola, Jr., upon receiving the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Vincent Castigliola, Jr., and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.