A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson, both of Richland County, for performing lifesaving actions to assist a fellow colleague at the Department of Social Services who experienced a medical emergency.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson for performing lifesaving actions to assist a fellow colleague at the Department of Social Services who experienced a medical emergency in April 2024; and

Whereas, on April 30, 2024, Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson demonstrated real heroism, boldness, and strength when a DSS colleague experienced a medical crisis in the customer waiting area of the Child Support Services Division office on Harden Street in Columbia. One of the child support attorneys yelled for help, stating an employee was having a medical emergency and needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately; and

Whereas, Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson, both trained as Certified Nursing Assistants, immediately rushed out into the lobby to assist. They worked as a team and performed life-saving CPR on their colleague and worked diligently until the ambulance arrived and emergency staff took over. Their willingness to step in and provide aid is an example of their character and dedication to their co-workers and to the Department of Social Services; and

Whereas, Tiki Pearson is a resident of Richland County and started with DSS - Midlands Region Child Support Services Division on December 2, 2019 as a Case Worker I. She showed wisdom and knowledge in her performance and was promoted to a Case Worker II and supervisor on March 17, 2021, and she was promoted to the Regional Team Coordinator and manager position on November 2, 2023. Tiki is known for her nurturing and encouraging spirit, motivating staff with kind words and encouragement. She is an exceptional manager who is always willing to help wherever needed and can be counted on to complete projects, reports, and assignments accurately and timely; and

Whereas, Imani Johnson is also a resident of Richland County and started with DSS on September 17, 2020, as an Administrative Specialist II. She worked diligently and was promoted to a Case Worker I on November 2, 2021. She later moved up to Regional Team Leader and supervisor on May 17, 2023. Imani is an asset to her team and can be described as a kind, honest, and friendly person who works well with court officials and attorneys; and

Whereas, the Department of Social Services and the Child Support Services Division are proud to have Imani and Tiki as part the agency. Their quick thinking and decisive actions in such a high-pressured situation exemplified leadership, tenacity, and bravery; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson have shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson, both of Richland County, for performing lifesaving actions to assist a fellow colleague at the Department of Social Services who experienced a medical emergency.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Imani Johnson and Tiki Pearson.

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