WHEREAS, Barbara Haymes of Halifax, a caregiver for Commonwealth Home Health, acted selflessly and heroically in helping a client safely out of a burning home in December 2016; and
WHEREAS, Jewel Lee is a spunky, 92-year-old resident of South Boston who walks with a cane, and Barbara Haymes was assigned as her home caregiver in December 2016; and
WHEREAS, December 13, 2016, began as a normal day for Barbara Haymes, who arrived at Jewel Lee's home around 8 a.m., and began her regular tasks; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Haymes acted quickly when she realized there were flames inside the home and she ushered Jewel Lee outside to safety and immediately called 911; and
WHEREAS, while the South Boston Fire Department got the fire under control, Barbara Haymes helped Jewel Lee to stay calm by offering comfort and reassurance during what was a very scary situation; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Haymes had never experienced a fire when caring for a client before, but her training at various health care facilities over the years prepared her for how to respond in an emergency; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Haymes has been employed as a caregiver with Commonwealth Home Health since 2005, and previously she worked at Sentara Woodview, Seasons at Sentara Woodview, Boston Commons, Team Nurse, and Person County Group Home in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Commonwealth Home Health recognized Barbara Haymes for her quick thinking and action by presenting her with a certificate of appreciation and gifts; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Haymes is an inspiration to the community, both for her actions in helping Jewel Lee and for her dedication to the field of home health care and assisted living; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Barbara Haymes, a caregiver for Commonwealth Home Health, hereby be commended for acting selflessly and heroically in helping a client safely out of a burning home in December 2016; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Barbara Haymes of Halifax as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her outstanding performance and professionalism.