SENATE RESOLUTION No. 29
(By Senators Snyder, Unger, Tomblin, Mr. President, Bailey,
Boley, Bowman, Caldwell, Chafin, Deem, Dempsey, Edgell, Facemyer,
Fanning, Guills, Harrison, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler,
Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Oliverio, Plymale,
Prezioso, Ross, Rowe, Sharpe, Smith, Sprouse, Weeks and White)
Recognizing State Police Trooper R. J. "Bobby" Elswick who was
wounded in the line of duty.
Whereas, State Police Trooper R. J. "Bobby" Elswick, who has
served West Virginia for seven years, was seriously wounded in the
line of duty in October, 2002, when he was shot while answering a
domestic violence call; and
Whereas, After being hospitalized for one month at Washington
County Hospital in Hagerstown, Maryland, Trooper Elswick was
transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta, Georgia,
which specializes in brain and spinal cord injuries. Since the
shooting, Trooper Elswick has struggled to rebuild his life. The
physical and speech therapy is exhausting, but rewarding with every
advancement. His determination to regain the strength and mobility
he once had is an inspiration to all who know him; and
Whereas, Four months after the ordeal, Trooper Elswick
returned to West Virginia aboard the Governor's private airplane.
He was given a tumultuous homecoming by family, friends, his fellow troopers and law-enforcement officers from across the eastern
panhandle; and
Whereas, Trooper Elswick is a living example of the dangers
that surround the lives of West Virginia's law-enforcement
officers; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes Trooper R. J. "Bobby"
Elswick who was seriously wounded in the line of duty; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby commends Trooper
Elswick on his determination to endure the tedious physical and
speech therapy in order to rebuild his life; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to Trooper R. J. "Bobby" Elswick.