SENATE RESOLUTION 32

(By Senators Weld, Ferns, Stollings, Unger, Boso, Plymale, and Maroney)

[Introduced February 8, 2018]

Honoring the heroic actions of Brooke County Sheriff Deputies Devin C. Baker, Kristen L. Richmond, and Shane S. Siranovic.

Whereas, On September 11, 2017, a massive fire broke out in an abandoned factory located on Charles Street, in Wellsburg, West Virginia; and

Whereas, In response to calls being placed to the Brooke County Emergency Dispatch, Brooke County Sheriff Deputies Devin Baker, Kristen Richmond, and Shane Siranovic were the first emergency personnel to arrive on scene, where they encountered a massive three-story blaze with reports that multiple juveniles had trespassed into the building just prior to the fire; and

Whereas, Deputies Baker and Siranovic, along with Corporal Richmond, made entry into the burning building to begin a search for the juveniles; and

Whereas, After approximately five minutes, the building’s roof began to collapse due to the flames, causing Deputy Siranovic to make the decision that all three had to evacuate the scene; and 

Whereas, Despite their awareness of the dangerous situation which confronted them, as the officers reached the stairs to exit the building, Deputy Siranovic heard a noise that sounded like a person calling for help, and the trio made the choice to risk their own lives to make one last search for the juveniles; and

Whereas, With heavy smoke and flames quickly engulfing the building, the officers were forced to stay low and feel their way around the building as they continuously called out for the juveniles; and

Whereas, A few minutes into their search, Deputy Siranovic finally was able to locate a female juvenile and sent her in the direction of the exit with Corporal Richmond, who then escorted the juvenile out of the building and into safety; and

Whereas, Deputies Baker and Siranovic then continued deeper into the burning building, at great risk to themselves, in search of the male juvenile; and

Whereas, Deputy Baker then forced his way into a closed room and found the male juvenile, then escorted him out through the building, which at that time had been nearly overtaken by smoke and flames; and

Whereas, Within minutes of the officers evacuating the juveniles from the fire, the building’s roof collapsed, causing the majority of the building’s brick structure to collapse into itself and the street; and 

Whereas, Deputies Baker and Siranovic and Corporal Richmond all displayed exemplary bravery and heroism by placing themselves in imminent danger in an effort to save the lives of others; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby honors the heroic actions of Brooke County Sheriff Deputies Devin C. Baker, Kristen L. Richmond, and Shane S. Siranovic; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Deputies Baker and Siranovic and Corporal Richmond and commends them for their selfless, dedicated public service; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Deputies Baker and Siranovic and Corporal Richmond.