House Resolution 74

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MARK ANDREWS UPON BEING NAMED A "STAR OF LIFE" FOR 2007-2008 BY AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE AND THE AMERICAN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, American Medical Response (AMR), the nation's largest ambulance service, and the American Ambulance Association, have named Emergency Medical Technician Mark Andrews of Pearl, Mississippi, as one of 100 national "Star of Life" award recipients for 2007-2008; and

WHEREAS, "Star of Life," described as the most prestigious award for front-line ambulance service professionals, is an honorary title bestowed upon approximately 100 outstanding emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics across the United States by the American Ambulance Association; and

WHEREAS, Andrews, 43, was chosen by AMR managers of the 36-state company for embodying the best of the ambulance service, due largely in part for working eleven consecutive New Year's holidays on a project that has taken over 2,200 inebriated partygoers home in the metro Jackson area, free of charge; and

WHEREAS, as he helps coordinate the project called "Safe Ride Home" each year collaboratively with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Andrews helps provide MADD with drivers, passenger vans, cell phones, radios and maps; and

WHEREAS, during project "Safe Ride Home," Andrews organizes AMR's drivers, ensuring smooth communications with MADD volunteers at the organization's headquarters in Pearl, providing rides to some 200 individuals each New Year's holiday; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Andrews' efforts as an EMT through his involvement with "Safe Ride Home" have been twofold, not only has the program prevented numerous drunk driving tragedies across Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties, but it has also raised the awareness of the deadly effects of drunk driving; and

WHEREAS, to be one of only 100 individuals in a company that employs hundreds of thousands of EMTs and paramedics within 900 ambulance services belonging to the American Ambulance Association, this honor places Mr. Andrews in an elite group of individuals; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Andrews will be recognized in a ceremony for his commitment and selfless dedication in Washington, D.C., during the week of May 6 through May 10; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the diligence and commitment of such outstanding and remarkable first responders and EMTs as Mr. Andrews, whose selfless service has brought great honor and pride to himself, the AMR team of Pearl and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mark Andrews upon being named as one of 100 national "Star of Life" award recipients for 2007-2008 presented by AMR, the American Ambulance Association, and extend heartfelt wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Andrews, the AMR Team headquartered in Pearl and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.