Congratulating the Carolina Volunteer Fire Department on Receiving the Richmond Grange's Community Service Group of the Year Award

WHEREAS, Over the past year, the Carolina Volunteer Fire Department has displayed their incredible and extraordinary commitment to the Richmond/Carolina community, going far beyond their already vital and essential roles as firefighters and emergency responders, but also through their compassion, and generosity in supporting their neighbors and one another; and

WHEREAS, The overwhelming dedication of the members of the Carolina Volunteer Fire Department was displayed prominently in the way they rallied together in support of their colleague, Christopher Sherman, who was diagnosed with cancer. When Chris began his treatment at Rhode Island Hospital, members of the Department organized a fire truck escort to send him off with strength, support and solidarity, and each time Chris returned home, he was welcomed back with another escort; and

WHEREAS, In September, the members of the Department hosted their annual 9/1 Softball Tournament and dedicated the proceeds to the Sherman family. In a magnificent display of community spirit, the winning team, the Harmony Fire Department, also donated their winnings to the Sherman family; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Carolina Volunteer Fire Department also came together to build a ramp at the home of the Sherman family, ensuring that Chris could safely and comfortably enter and exit during his recovery; and

WHEREAS, In addition to helping their colleague, Chris, the department also participated in the “Good Night Lights” program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and took part in the Special Olympics Rhode Island Polar Plunge in March. The Department also provided education to local scouting troops on firefighting and safety, distributes free vehicle fire extinguishers to community members as part of the Moira’s Mission Public Safety Campaign, collects toys at toy drives at Christmas as part of Matthew’s Wish, and hosts a Santa’s Light Parade around town; and

WHEREAS, The Carolina Volunteer Fire Department also takes their responsibility to educate the public on fire safety quite seriously, and posts weekly on their social media sites on relevant and related topics to include cooking safety, proper Christmas Tree disposal methods, pet safety, heater safety, how to prepare for extreme cold, proper ways for battery and chemical disposal, chemical and medicine reactions, reminders for home fire safety equipment, inspections, and causes; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island with great appreciation and admiration hereby heartily congratulates the Carolina Volunteer Fire Department on receiving the 20 Community Service Group of the Year Award from the Richmond Grange; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Carolina Volunteer Fire Department.