SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 21
(By Senators Kessler, Edgell, Bowman, McKenzie, Bailey, Rowe,
Ross, Unger, Weeks, Sharpe, Minard, Fanning, Prezioso, White,
Helmick, Plymale, Jenkins, Oliverio, Dempsey, Facemyer, Hunter,
Love, Smith, Harrison, Boley, Guills, Minear, Sprouse, McCabe and
Tomblin, Mr. President)
Recognizing the heroic actions of Marshall County Deputy Sheriffs
Brent Wharry and Steve Cook who assisted in emergency rescue
efforts following a mine explosion in Marshall County.
Whereas, On Wednesday, January 22, 2003, Marshall County
Deputy Sheriffs Brent Wharry and Steve Cook were the first on the
scene of a mine explosion at Consol Energy, Inc.'s McElroy Mine in
rural Marshall County; and
Whereas, It was determined that the explosion had occurred at
the bottom of an air shaft that was under construction; and
Whereas, Disregarding danger, Deputies Wharry and Cook, along
with a paramedic and a drilling company employee, were lowered by
crane into the shaft; and
Whereas, Two critically injured survivors were located at the
bottom of the 940-foot air shaft and were brought to safety.
Sadly, three others were killed in the explosion; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the heroic actions of Marshall County Deputy Sheriffs Brent Wharry and Steve Cook who
assisted in emergency rescue efforts following a mine explosion in
Marshall County; and, be it
Further Resolved, That it is fitting on "Law-enforcement Day"
to recognize Deputies Wharry and Cook who risked their lives in
order to save others; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to Marshall County Deputy Sheriffs Brent
Wharry and Steve Cook.