A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEPUTY ELIJAH PIERCE OF THE ANDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE, SELFLESSNESS, AND DECISIVE ACTIONS DURING THE LIFE-THREATENING RESCUE OF THREE-YEAR-OLD BENNETT DORNELLAS ON MAY 8, 2024, AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS HEROIC ACTIONS IN THE LINE OF DUTY AS DESERVING OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to recognize individuals whose bravery and dedication to duty exemplify the highest standards of public service and law enforcement; and

 

Whereas, on May 8, 2024, Deputy Elijah Pierce of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office responded to a critical and dangerous incident involving the violent kidnapping of a three-year-old child, Bennett Dornellas, by his father, Joshua Dornellas, from the child's home in Belton, South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Deputy Pierce played a vital role in the coordinated search efforts that led law enforcement officers to locate the suspect's vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed along Interstate 85. The deputy's vigilance and communication were instrumental in helping deputies close in on the fleeing suspect; and

 

Whereas, as the pursuit continued into the State of Georgia, the suspect intentionally set the truck on fire and jumped from the moving vehicle, leaving young Bennett trapped inside as the burning truck veered off the roadway, traveled up an embankment, and came to rest in a wooded area while rapidly becoming engulfed in flames; and

 

Whereas, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Deputy Pierce ran toward the burning vehicle alongside fellow deputies to attempt a rescue under rapidly deteriorating and life-threatening conditions; and

 

Whereas, during the rescue effort, Sergeant Hunter Ruff entered the burning truck headfirst through the driver's side window and located Bennett trapped on the driver's floorboard, and Deputy Pierce immediately acted to assist, pulling Sergeant Ruff from the burning vehicle while Sergeant Ruff held the child in his arms; and

 

Whereas, Deputy Pierce's courage, situational awareness, and swift actions ensured the safe extraction of both Sergeant Ruff and Bennett Dornellas, allowing the child to receive urgent medical care and undoubtedly contributing to the preservation of his life; and

 

Whereas, although Bennett suffered severe burns during the horrific incident, he survived, and his resilience stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of the deputies who refused to leave him behind; and

 

Whereas, Sergeant Hunter Ruff, Sergeant Danny McCown, and Sergeant Stephen Earwood have each been recognized with the Medal of Valor for their courage and heroism displayed during this incident, and it is fitting and proper that Deputy Elijah Pierce receive equal recognition for his indispensable and heroic actions; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for Deputy Pierce's unwavering commitment to duty, his devotion to protecting others, and the example of honor and courage he has set for his community and this State. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy Elijah Pierce of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office for his extraordinary courage, and selflessness, and decisive action during the life-threatening rescue of three-year-old Bennett Dornellas on May 8, 2024, and commend him for his heroic actions in the line of duty as deserving of the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Elijah Pierce.

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