24 LC 112 2072
Senate Resolution 854
By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Orrock of the 36th, Beach of the 21st, Watson of the 1st
and Anderson of the 24th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the heroic actions of the Woodward Academy Security Team; and for other
1
purposes.2
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2023, in College Park, Georgia, a significant fire erupted in3
a nearby apartment building, posing a grave threat to the lives of its residents; and4
WHEREAS, Director Jeff Yarbrough and Officers Brian Ferguson and Tim Fenner,5
representing the Woodward Academy Security Team, responded promptly and courageously6
to the emergency situation; and7
WHEREAS, Director Yarbrough and Officers Ferguson and Fenner, upon observing the8
smoke and flames emanating from the vicinity of the campus, swiftly proceeded to the scene9
with the understanding of the imminent danger and the necessity to preserve life; and10
WHEREAS, the Woodward Academy Security Team, arriving before the fire department,11
valiantly entered the burning structure to rescue trapped residents, exemplifying an12
unwavering commitment to the preservation of life; and13
S. R. 854
- 1 - 24 LC 112 2072
WHEREAS, Officer Ferguson demonstrated remarkable heroism in locating a woman and
14
her elderly mother within one of the apartments and evacuating them to safety while Officer15
Fenner displayed exceptional courage in attempting to rescue a 94-year-old deaf woman16
ensnared within another apartment amidst intense heat and flames; and17
WHEREAS, Officer Fenner, despite encountering those perilous conditions, exhibited18
extraordinary bravery by extricating the 94-year-old woman, who was engulfed in flames,19
to safety, thereby placing his own life at risk to safeguard hers; and20
WHEREAS, the expeditious and courageous actions of the Woodward Academy Security21
Team resulted in the successful rescue of three individuals from the conflagration, including22
the 94 year-old woman, who received urgent medical treatment subsequent to the ordeal; and23
WHEREAS, the commendable efforts of Director Jeff Yarbrough, Officer Brian Ferguson,24
and Officer Tim Fenner epitomize the highest standards of service, sacrifice, and community25
dedication.26
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body27
honor the exceptional bravery and selflessness demonstrated by the Woodward Academy28
Security Team in the face of grave peril.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Director Jeff31
Yarbrough and Officers Brian Ferguson and Tim Fenner.32
S. R. 854
- 2 -