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.