HOUSE RESOLUTION 21

(By Delegate Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker))

On behalf of the entire membership

March 11, 2023

Supporting the recommendation of the First Responders Honor Board that Medal of Valor nominee, West Virginia State Police Trooper Eric Michael Workman, be posthumously awarded the West Virginia Medal of Valor.

Whereas, The Medal of Valor is awarded to firefighters, law-enforcement officers, and emergency medical services personnel who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity and at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their duties; and

Whereas, The Medal of Valor is deemed the highest award that the state of West Virginia can convey to a citizen who has dedicated him or herself to public service to the people of West Virginia and may only be awarded by the Legislature, upon the recommendation of the First Responders Honor Board; and

Whereas, Trooper Eric Michael Workman of Ivydale, Clay County, West Virginia, a lifelong West Virginian who personified the ethos of integrity, public service, and excellence that we fellow West Virginians respect and admire; and

Whereas, upon graduation from Clay County High School in 2004 he attended West Virginia State University, where Trooper Workman’s talents and performance as a baseball player were renowned, he was selected 2^nd Team All American in 2009, along with player and hitter of the year for the Yellowjackets; and

Whereas, Trooper Workman heeded the call of public service, entering the West Virginia State Police Academy, from which he graduated in August of 2011, committing his life to serving the people of this great state; and

Whereas, Upon Graduation from the State Police Academy Trooper Eric Michael Workman, with title bestowed, served as a member of the West Virginia State Police Honor Guard and as a member the State Troopers Association, and

Whereas, Just one short year following his graduation from the State Police Academy, Trooper Workman, while serving in the line of duty, consistent with his training and duty, responded to a call to assist Corporal Marshall Lee Bailey with an interstate traffic stop for reckless driving during which both Troopers were shot and killed during an attempted arrest; and

Whereas, This loss of a young life with so much potential before him, given for the greater good while acting heroically, reflects the highest and fullest measure of sacrifice and is worthy of honorable recognition and reverent remembrance; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates:

By enactment of this resolution, that the Legislature hereby endorses the awarding of the Medal of Valor nominee recommended by the First Responders Honor Board; as the actions of Trooper Workman, not just on the day of his death, but through his exemplary performance as a state Trooper, where his actions personified the bravery and valor requisite for receipt of this highest honor; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Governor shall posthumously bestow the West Virginia Medal of Valor upon Trooper Eric Michael Workman upon adoption of this resolution; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Trooper Eric Michael Workman, recipient of West Virginia Medal of Valor.