Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE DEATH OF JOE TOPPER OF ALLENDALE AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Joe Topper of Allendale; and
Whereas, he was the beloved husband to Joyce Topper and the proud stepfather of Tripp Hutto; and
Whereas, he attended York Academy of Arts in York, Pennsylvania, in the late 1960's where he majored in photography; and
Whereas, he was a photojournalist by trade from 1966 to 1992, an assignment photographer with the National Football League from 1968 to 1976, and since 1978, a photography instructor at the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie teaching beginning photography and outdoor nature photography; and
Whereas, in the early eighties he joined the Allendale Rescue Squad starting out as an emergency medical technician and later serving as a paramedic before becoming Captain of the Allendale County Rescue Squad in 1992; and
Whereas, Mr. Topper became the Director of the Allendale County EMS in 1994 and was continuing to serve in this capacity with honor and distinction until the time of his death; and
Whereas, over the years he served as a basic life support instructor and trainer, an advanced cardiac and pediatric life support provider, a pre-hospital trauma life support provider, a Department of Transportation First Responder instructor, a neonate resuscitation provider, Chairman of the Board of the Lowcountry Regional EMS Council, and Vice Chair of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Council for EMS; and
Whereas, graciously giving of his time, talents, and energy, Mr. Topper was a member of the South Carolina EMS Association, the Lowcountry Regional EMS Council, the South Carolina Advisory Council for EMS, the South Carolina EMS Instructors Association, the Carolina Nature Photographers Association, and the Nature Photographers Network; and
Whereas, in addition to serving his community and State in so many ways, Mr. Topper was also a loyal and patriotic American and served his country as a member of the South Carolina National Guard; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are proud to honor the many contributions that Mr. Topper made to the Allendale community, the State of South Carolina, and our nation over his lifetime. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow on the death of Joe Topper of Allendale and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forward to the family of Mr. Joe Topper.
This web page was last updated on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:03 A.M.