Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/2926

 CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS—MAR. 13, 2003

117 STAT. 2907

WEST WARWICK FIRE VICTIMS—CONDOLENCES

Mar. 13, 2003 [H. Con. Res. 85]

Whereas, on the night of February 20, 2003, a pyrotechnic display ignited a massive fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island; Whereas 99 people have died as a result of the fire and an additional 186 people were injured in the fire, many of whom remain hospitalized as of the date of the submission of this resolution with life-threatening burns and other injuries; Whereas the victims of the fire were residents of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and several other States; Whereas the firefighters, police officers (particularly officers of the West Warwick Police Department who were the first to arrive on the scene), and medical personnel who responded to the fire performed heroically under horrific circumstances, and they risked their own lives to save many of the injured; Whereas, at hospitals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, mental health professionals, and other health care workers toiled through the night and in the following days to care for the injured, and they continue to provide worldclass care to victims of the fire who remain hospitalized; Whereas hospital care for victims of the fire was provided at Rhode Island Hospital, Kent County Hospital, South County Hospital, Fatima Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Landmark Hospital, University of Massachusetts/Worcester Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Westerly Hospital, Shriners Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Charlton Hospital, and Newport Hospital; Whereas the local Red Cross, with 10 paid staff and over 400 dedicated volunteers, has played a critical role in offering comfort to the families of victims and coordinating services; Whereas State and local officials have responded to the fire and its aftermath quickly, effectively, and compassionately, and the people of Rhode Island and the Nation are grateful for their efforts; Whereas Governor Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island and West Warwick Town Manager Wolfgang Bauer have shown exceptional leadership under trying circumstances and their sensitivity to the families impacted by the tragedy is much appreciated; Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty and Maj. Gen. Reginald Centracchio, as Co-Chairs of the Emergency Management Advisory Council, have also played a crucial role in responding to the tragedy; and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has impressively and effectively coordinated a myriad of State and local activities; Whereas area funeral directors and medical examiners have provided outstanding service throughout the tragedy; Whereas the staff of the local family resource center has helped the families of victims to access the services and information they need and provided care and comfort to hundreds of grieving family members; Whereas the people of Rhode Island and concerned citizens across the United States have shown incredible generosity in response

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