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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING RAYMOND EDLER, BOB HUGHES, AND THE BARRINGTON AND

WARREN FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS FOR THEIR HEROIC EFFORTS IN RESCUING

MICHAEL MARSHALL FROM THE WARREN RIVER

     Introduced By: Senators Bates, Hodgson, Felag, Algiere, and Kettle

     Date Introduced: January 08, 2013

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, Many people go through their lives without any personal contact with a

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potential life and death situation, without that defining moment that turns an ordinary person into

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a hero.  Raymond Edler, Assistant Harbor Master Bob Hughes, and firefighters and EMTs from

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Barrington and Warren faced such a challenge, and in that moment of crisis, without hesitation,

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they did the extraordinary and saved the life of Bristol resident, Michael Marshall; and

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     WHEREAS, The peace and tranquility of Mr. Marshall’s and Mr. Edler’s kayak journey

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across the Warren River on a beautiful sunny day in August abruptly became a life-and-death

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situation for Mr. Marshall when the two men’s kayak capsized.  The incident triggered a heart

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attack in Mr. Marshall, who struggled to stay afloat; and

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     WHEREAS, As Mr. Edler pulled his drowning friend’s head above the water, he

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simultaneously hailed two nearby kayakers, who then towed the two men toward the Rumstick

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Point shoreline; and  

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     WHEREAS, Once on shore, Mr. Edler alerted a nearby resident to call 911.  First on the

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scene were Barrington firefighters and EMTs, but Mr. Marshall’s critical condition and the

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unwieldy marsh and small rivers between the waiting ambulance and Mr. Marshall made rescue

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nearly impossible; and

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     WHEREAS, A new plan of action was quickly devised by Assistant Harbor Master Bob

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Hughes, who had been alerted to the incident by the fire dispatcher.  Mr. Hughes swiftly motored

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his boat to a nearby dock as four firefighters carried Mr. Marshall through the marsh to the

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waiting boat; and

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     WHEREAS, Mr. Hughes and two Barrington EMTs rapidly transported Mr. Marshall to

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Police Cove, where Warren EMTs were waiting to provide medical assistance and transportation

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to Rhode Island Hospital; and  

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     WHEREAS, Because of the amazingly heroic efforts of everyone involved and the

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support and skill of numerous firefighters and EMTs, events that may well have ended tragically

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had a happy ending.  Mr. Marshall, while having to endure four days in the hospital, two stents in

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his heart, and numerous medications, is home and resting and able to look forward to the future;

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now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby recognizes and honors Raymond Edler, Bob Hughes, and the Barrington and Warren

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Firefighters and EMTs for their heroic and clear-headed actions during the most dire of

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circumstances.  They are truly an inspiration and we extend best wishes for their continued good

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deeds, success, and good health; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mr. Raymond Edler, Mr. Robert Hughes, and

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the Barrington and Warren Fire Departments and EMTs.

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