ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-21
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
March 7, 2023
To recognize and celebrate t he life of Robert G. Cunningham for decades of service to the
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and for stepping in to protect
passengers at the Potomac Avenue Metrorail Station on W ednesday, February 1, 2023.
WHEREAS, R obert G. Cunningham served as a skilled low-voltage mechanic for the
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for more than 20 y ears;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cunningham had lived with his family in Silver Spring, Maryland, for
more than 30 ye ars, known by hi s neighbors as someone who would seek out problems and work
to solve them;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cunningham had recently turned his focus toward retirement, focusing
on ensuring that he and his wife and four children would be financially stable;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cunningham was known as quiet and respectful, well-liked by
colleagues, recently expressing that if he were in a dangerous situation, he would do w hat it took
to save the life of another, even if it meant putting his own life at risk;
WHEREAS, on February 1, 2023, M r. Cunningham intervened when he saw people in
danger and lost his life attempting to protect passengers in the Metrorail system:
WHEREAS, We all grieve for Mr. Cunningham, his family, and all who have been
affected by this senseless tragedy;
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL O F THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “R obert G. Cunningham Memorial Heroism Recognition
Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. T he Council celebrates the life of Robert G. Cunningham and honor s his sacrifice
in the course of protecting others.
Sec. 3. This re solution sha ll take effect immediately.