TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE SEVENTH ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA EMS MEMORIAL BIKE RIDE TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN OF THEMSELVES WHILE RENDERING AID TO THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the South Carolina EMS Memorial Bike Ride, the seventh event of its kind in South Carolina, was instituted to memorialize those who have lost their lives in the line of duty or passed away after a significant career in emergency medicine. The bike ride also celebrates and honors those presently serving across the Palmetto State, who daily put their lives in harm's way to help others in times of need; and

Whereas, the ride will start on the grounds of Beaufort Memorial Hospital, located in Beaufort County in South Carolina, on May 13, 2016, and finish at the South Carolina EMS Memorial, located in Calhoun County on May 15, 2016; and

Whereas, this annual event promotes outdoor activity, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle as participants complete the over two-hundred-mile ride in the required twenty hours of cycling; and

Whereas, those being mourned and honored with this ride come from all regions of the State. The memorial ride honorees for 2016 are Furman "Mitch" Hanna, Jennifer Hanna, John Mullen, Donald Simmons, H. Michael Garvin, Jarrod Parker, Rodger M. Diede, Becky Brasington, Melissa Brunson, Roger Klaesius, Roger "R.C." Moore, Gail Reeh Glymph, Julie Williams, Stuart "Stuey" Hardy, Gary L. Gregory, Steve Skipton, Michael Kunde, Sherman Burns, Charles "Duane" Sendler, Richard "Rick" Barge, Elaine Harvey, and Paul Kunz; and

Whereas, on this ride the riders will honor posthumously Stuart "Stuey" Hardy of Burton Fire District, who died in the line of duty, as well as other honorees who either gave their lives or contributed so much to their chosen career of prehospital emergency care; and

Whereas, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in recognizing such a praiseworthy cause as the South Carolina EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and the members wish to commend its riders, support staff, and sponsors and wish them much success at this year's event. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and commend the seventh annual South Carolina EMS Memorial Bike Ride to honor those who have given of themselves while rendering aid to the citizens of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to South Carolina EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc.