81R37690 CBE-D

By: Geren H.R. No. 2768

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The swift and selfless actions of several employees of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Department of Public Safety and others were instrumental in saving the life of a beloved member of the Texas House on May 12, 2009; and

WHEREAS, That night, shortly after 10 p.m., house sergeant Jennifer Irby discovered Chairman Edmund Kuempel slumped in the corner of an elevator in the Capitol Extension; she checked his vital signs and made a quick decision to take the elevator to the first floor, where she knew she could enlist the help of a trooper; once there, she notified Trooper Edwin Carpenter of the situation, and he called for assistance on his radio; and

WHEREAS, Trooper Antonio Rico and Trooper Diane Riojas responded to the call with an automated external defibrillator in hand and helped Trooper Carpenter move the representative into the elevator foyer; after determining that Representative Kuempel no longer had a pulse, the troopers worked together to begin medical aid; State Representative John Zerwas, an anesthesiologist by profession, was alerted to the emergency and soon appeared on the scene; under his guidance, Trooper Rico operated the defibrillator and Trooper Riojas administered rescue breathing; at the same time, Representative Zerwas provided chest compressions; and

WHEREAS, After most people would have given up, this determined group of public servants continued their life-saving measures in hopes of reviving Representative Kuempel; they tended to him like he was a loved one, each investing his or her all in the moment; in just one example, Trooper Rico did not cease monitoring and operating the defibrillator until he could personally hand over the chairman's care to emergency medical personnel; and

WHEREAS, Through it all, house sergeant-at-arms Rod Welsh and house sergeant Trevor Rice provided invaluable support; both served as a calming influence and helped to maintain order in the highly charged atmosphere, and their efforts to secure the area enabled Chairman Kuempel to receive the care he needed as quickly as possible; and

WHEREAS, Once he arrived at University Medical Center Brackenridge, Representative Kuempel benefited greatly from the top-notch staff of the emergency room, and he was particularly fortunate to be seen by Dr. Truman J. Milling and Dr. David W. Hayes; meanwhile, Mr. Welsh and Mr. Rice were bringing order and compassion to people in the overflowing waiting room and relaying information to those who were anxiously awaiting further word; and

WHEREAS, Many people came together in support of this great man; among them were DPS director Colonel Lamar Beckworth and DPS chief of government relations Michael Kelley, as well as the dedicated members of the Capitol DPS staff who were on duty that evening; given the large volume of visitors who travel to the seat of Texas government each day, these troopers are especially well trained in life-saving techniques, and their ability to act quickly, correctly, and under extreme pressure indicates that the citizens of this state, and the legislators who represent them, are indeed in good hands; and

WHEREAS, One of the longest-serving members of the Texas House, Edmund Kuempel is known for his big smile and friendly nature; his remarkable survival that night is due in large part to the judgment, skill, and perseverance of a dedicated team of professionals whose conduct in those first crucial minutes made the critical difference in saving Chairman Kuempel's life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor Jennifer Irby, Trevor Rice, Rod Welsh, Trooper Edwin Carpenter, Trooper Antonio Rico, Trooper Diane Riojas, Colonel Lamar Beckworth, Michael Kelley, State Representative John Zerwas, Dr. Truman J. Milling, Dr. David W. Hayes, and Brackenridge emergency room and Capitol DPS staff for their heroism in saving the life of a fellow Texan and extend to them sincere appreciation for their extraordinary accomplishment; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for all those involved as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.