MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Walls

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING OFFICER MICHAEL GWATHNEY FOR HIS COURAGEOUS AND HEROIC EFFORTS ON APRIL 3, 1998.

WHEREAS, on April 3, 1998, two young girls fell into the frigid and flood swollen waters of Lake Ferguson; and

WHEREAS, upon being advised of the situation, Officer Michael Gwathney of the Greenville Police Department ran to the water's edge and, upon discovering that one victim had slipped beneath the surface, courageously entered the icy and murky waters of Lake Ferguson to search for the victim; and

WHEREAS, disregarding the peril to himself, Officer Michael Gwathney swam through the cable snarled waters to aid Officer Russell Frazier in pulling the victim to shore; and

WHEREAS, in a dramatic scene in this stark struggle for life, a white hand grasped a black hand and the victim was pulled to safety; and

WHEREAS, through the prism of joyful tears, there was no color of skin but a rainbow of compassion, courage and heroism; and

WHEREAS, Officer Michael Gwathney was recommended to receive the Medal of Merit from his department for his distinguished actions while on duty; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of Mississippi wishes to recognize and thank Officer Michael Gwathney for his daring, courageous, compassionate and heroic actions at the scene of a near tragedy:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Officer Michael Gwathney for his courageous and heroic rescue on April 3, 1998.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Officer Michael Gwathney.