Bill Text: WV SCR24 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizing First Responders Honor Board's nominees for Medal of Valor
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 29-5)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-07 - House Message received [SCR24 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2024-SCR24-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 24
(By Senator Deeds)
[Introduced January 31, 2024]
Recognizing and honoring the First Responders Honor Board's nominees of the Medal of Valor.
Whereas, The Medal of Valor is presented to firefighters, law-enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, and other professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their professional capacity; and
Whereas, Nominations for the Medal of Valor were presented to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House for consideration by the West Virginia Legislature; and
Whereas, The First Responders Honor Board has submitted the following nominees for consideration: West Virginia State Police Corporal David S. Fry, Upshur County Department of Homeland Security/County Emergency Manager, Deputy Director Derek V. Long, and Upshur County Sheriff John Michael Coffman; and
Whereas, In the early morning hours of March 28, 2017, Corporal David Fry responded to an active domestic violence situation in Lincoln County, West Virginia. Upon entering the residence, Corporal Fry engaged the aggressor involved in the domestic violence situation and a gun fight ensued. During the gun fight, Corporal Fry was shot two times and the victim in the domestic violence incident was able to escape the residence unharmed. The perpetrator was ultimately arrested, convicted, and is currently incarcerated in prison; and
Whereas, On June 16, 2022, Derek V. Long observed what he believed was a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 79, near Buckhannon, West Virginia. Derek Long stopped, initiated the emergency vehicle lights on his vehicle and attempted to assist at the scene. As Long exited his vehicle, the perpetrator began discharging a firearm. Derek Long retreated, provided emergency radio transmission to Upshur County 911 and positioned his vehicle in such a manner as to block the Interstate traffic to prevent innocent motorists from being injured by the perpetrator; and
Whereas, Upon learning of the active shooting situation, John Michael Coffman, who at the time held the position of Chief Deputy, but now is the Sheriff of Upshur County West Virginia, responded to the scene. Sheriff Coffman immediately exited his vehicle and attempted to usher motorists away from the continuing barrage of gun fire. As Sheriff Coffman attempted to retrieve his long gun from his vehicle, Sheriff Coffman was shot. As the gunfire continued, Lewis County Sheriff David Gosa and Deputy Director Long assisted in loading Sheriff Coffman into Sheriff Coffman's patrol vehicle. While still under fire, Deputy Director Long drove Sheriff Coffman from the crime scene to the hospital, where Sheriff Coffman underwent emergency surgery; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Legislature is honored to recognize the nominees with the Medal of Valor for their actions that went above and beyond the call of duty, regardless of their personal safety, in an attempt to protect human life; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby recognizes and honors the first responders Honor Board’s Nominees of the Medal of Valor; and be it
Further Resolved, That the members of the West Virginia Legislature, by this resolution, confirm that the nominees be awarded the Medal of Valor; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Governor Jim Justice.
