SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 44

(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, Dempsey, Bailey, Barnes, Boley, Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, Facemyer, Fanning, Foster, Guills, Harrison, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins, Kessler, Lanham, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sharpe, Sprouse, Unger, Weeks, White and Yoder)


Recognizing the tragic events which began January 19, 2006, in the Alma No. 1 Mine near Melville, Logan County.

Whereas, On January 19, 2006, a team of 12 men were working in the Alma No. 1 mine near Melville, Logan County, when a fire started on a conveyor belt, sending flames and thick smoke into the mine. Ten of the 12 team members safely reached the surface; and
Whereas, Emergency rescue procedures were initiated to search for the two miners who had not surfaced; and
Whereas, Anxious family and friends of the missing miners gathered at a nearby church to pray for their safe return and to comfort each other as they waited for news of their loved ones; and
Whereas, On January 20, 2006, rescue crews battled the fire that continued to burn more than 24 hours after it had started; and
Whereas, On January 21, 2006, over 40 hours after the disaster had begun, the sad news came that the two missing miners had perished. Family and friends were devastated at the news of the deaths of their loved ones; and
Whereas, Don Bragg and Ellery Hatfield, who perished in the Alma No. 1 Mine disaster, should be remembered as brave men who died not only providing for their families, but also providing the nation with energy; and
Whereas, America should be proud of these two brave men who placed themselves in the dark and dangerous environment of coal mining in order to provide fuel for the nation's energy sources; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the tragic events which began January 19, 2006, at the Alma No. 1 Mine near Melville, Logan County; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby remembers the brave men who perished in the Alma No. 1 Mine disaster and extends its sincere sympathy to the families of Don Bragg and Ellery Hatfield; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the families of Don Bragg and Ellery Hatfield.