H 4786  Concurrent Resolution, By G.R.Smith, Allison, Bannister, Burns, Chumley, 
B.Cox, W.Cox, Dillard, Elliott, Haddon, Morgan, Robinson, Trantham and Willis
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR DEPUTY MARK HARDEN AND DEPUTY COLIN PRICE OF
 THE GREENVILLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, WHO DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN
 THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON
 RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

   01/12/22  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
                     (House Journal-page 29)
   01/13/22  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (Senate Journal-page 12)

TO HONOR DEPUTY MARK HARDEN AND DEPUTY COLIN PRICE OF THE GREENVILLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, WHO DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Deputy Mark Harden and Deputy Colin Price of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, having courageously taken swift, decisive action that saved a life while facing extreme danger, have been awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor; and

Whereas, on April 18, 2021, Deputy Harden and Deputy Price responded to a multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of Augusta Road and Twin Springs Drive. Within minutes of the call's airing, Harden and Price arrived on the scene; and

Whereas, upon their arrival, they encountered a chaotic situation that spanned nearly a football field in length on Augusta Road. Initially, they determined that two vehicles were involved, including a male who was ejected and did not survive. While working to bring the scene under control, they were alerted to a third vehicle that had left the roadway and ended up at the bottom of a twenty-foot embankment. Upon learning this and running to the flaming vehicle, they found that a female was still inside; and

Whereas, without hesitation, they began attempting to extract the female from the vehicle. However, they quickly discovered that her feet were pinned beneath the pedals. Both deputies continued to work to free the female, despite the fact that the vehicle was now almost fully engulfed. After continuous effort and determination while coping with nearly unbearable heat and flames, they finally were able to free her and pull her from the vehicle. Once the female was free of the vehicle, they found that both of her legs, from the knees down, were on fire. Both deputies were able to work quickly to extinguish the flames, after which they carried her up the embankment to the EMS and fire personnel watching from the top; and

Whereas, the actions of these two deputies undoubtedly saved the life of this young woman, a feat accomplished through their persistence in the face of tremendous personal risk. As was written in the initial submission for the Greenville County Sheriff's Office Medal of Valor, "The dictionary defines 'hero' as 'a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities.'" Without question, both Harden and Price meet this definition of "hero," and their actions bring great credit to their chosen profession and reflect the highest ideals of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and law enforcement throughout this great State; and

Whereas, gratefully, the members of the General Assembly recognize that the safety and security of our State depend, in great measure, upon the courage and dedication of individuals who, like Deputies Mark Harden and Colin Price, put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, honor Deputy Mark Harden and Deputy Colin Price of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, who displayed exceptional courage in the face of danger while in the line of duty, and congratulate them upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Deputy Mark Harden and Deputy Colin Price.