H. R. 10--"Paying tribute to the life of Charles Matthew 'Matt' Turner, former member of the West Virginia State Police, esteemed citizen and public servant."
Whereas, Charles Matthew "Matt" Turner was born on October 26, 1954, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to June and Charles Turner. He received his education in the public schools, graduating from Bluefield High School and received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Bluefield State College.
In 1978, Matt Turner joined the West Virginia State Police and became an exemplary member. His law-enforcement duties brought him to the Capitol Complex, particularly during legislative sessions. His warm and outgoing personality was evidence of the ease with which he became friends with legislators and legislative personnel, and he was one of the most well-liked, respected and capable pilots among aviators; and
Whereas, Lieutenant Turner's earthly life ended on April 4, 1996, while he was piloting a state police helicopter in the Charleston area. Bravely, during a catastrophic mechanical failure, Matt Turner tried to guide the helicopter, fighting to control the aircraft and steer it away from occupied houses at the crash site. Lieutenant Turner was successful in guiding the aircraft away from causing harm to others, but the crash resulted in his own tragic death and that of retired state police Lieutenant Wayne Childress, a passenger on the craft; and
Whereas, It is fitting and just that this House of Delegates pause to recognize the life and service of Matt Turner, that it hereby notes his untimely death, and that it publicly recognizes the esteem in which he was held by public and private citizens and that it convey regret to his wife, Linda, and to his daughter, Christin, and to his stepchildren, J. R. and Kristi Coleman; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House of Delegates of the 73rd Legislature hereby publicly recognizes the life and public service of Charles Matthew "Matt" Turner, laments his untimely death and extends to his family sincere regrets and condolences; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution and that the Speaker of the House present the same to the members of his family.