2026 -- S 3235

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LC006344

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING THE CAROLINA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ON

RECEIVING THE RICHMOND GRANGE'S COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUP OF THE

YEAR AWARD

     Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: April 28, 2026

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     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 9/11

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

2026 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.

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LC006344

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