SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1058
WHEREAS, The Texas Senate takes sincere pride in
recognizing the outstanding service of the resolute individuals
who came together in a moment of need to render lifesaving
assistance to Representative Edmund Kuempel on the night of May
12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The actions of Jennifer Irby, Trooper Edwin
Carpenter, Trooper Antonio Rico, Trooper Diane Riojas, and
Representative John Zerwas saved the life of Representative
Kuempel when he was stricken by cardiac arrest while working at
the Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Representative Kuempel was discovered collapsed
and unconscious in a Capitol Extension elevator by Jennifer Irby,
a messenger employed in the sergeant-at-arms office in the House;
Jennifer's quick thinking was the beginning of a lifesaving
process that unfolded in the Capitol shortly after 10:00 p.m.;
and
WHEREAS, Responding swiftly to the severity of the
situation and thinking that she would be able to locate a trooper
on the first floor of the Capitol for assistance, Jennifer
remained with Representative Kuempel and pushed the first floor
elevator button; upon arriving on the first floor, she alerted
Trooper Carpenter, who immediately began to attend to
Representative Kuempel, and, after ascertaining that emergency
medical services had been called, used his radio to ask for more
assistance from other Texas Department of Public Safety
personnel; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Rico, one of the officers who responded to
the call, brought an automated external defibrillator to the
scene, and he and Trooper Carpenter made the proper preparations
for its use; Trooper Rico began to operate the defibrillator
while Trooper Diane Riojas administered rescue breathing to
Representative Kuempel; Representative John Zerwas, an
anesthesiologist, had been alerted to the emergency and had
quickly arrived at the scene; he began chest compressions on
Representative Kuempel while giving guidance to the others who
were working to save Representative Kuempel's life; and
WHEREAS, Each of these individuals worked hastily, yet
with great care; maintaining their composure in the face of a
struggle to save another's life, they persevered in their efforts
toward reviving Representative Kuempel, even after most would
have considered the situation to be hopeless; because of their
courage, sound judgment, quick thinking, and tenacity,
Representative Kuempel received the emergency aid that was
necessary to save his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to Jennifer Irby, Trooper Edwin
Carpenter, Trooper Antonio Rico, Trooper Diane Riojas, and
Representative John Zerwas for their successful lifesaving
efforts and commend them for the determined spirit and
perseverance with which they handled this potentially tragic
event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
them as an expression of highest esteem from the Texas Senate.
Whitmire Whitmire
Whitmire
Averitt Harris Seliger Averitt Harris Seliger
Averitt Harris Seliger
Carona Hegar Shapiro Carona Hegar Shapiro
Carona Hegar Shapiro
Davis Hinojosa Shapleigh Davis Hinojosa Shapleigh
Davis Hinojosa Shapleigh
Deuell Huffman Uresti Deuell Huffman Uresti
Deuell Huffman Uresti
Duncan Jackson Van de Putte Duncan Jackson Van de Putte
Duncan Jackson Van de Putte
Ellis Lucio Watson Ellis Lucio Watson
Ellis Lucio Watson
Eltife Nelson Wentworth Eltife Nelson Wentworth
Eltife Nelson Wentworth
Estes Nichols West Estes Nichols West
Estes Nichols West
Fraser Ogden Williams Fraser Ogden Williams
Fraser Ogden Williams
Gallegos Patrick Zaffirini Gallegos Patrick Zaffirini
Gallegos Patrick Zaffirini
Dewhurst, President of the Senate
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 29, 2009.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
Whitmire
Averitt Harris Seliger
Carona Hegar Shapiro
Davis Hinojosa Shapleigh
Deuell Huffman Uresti
Duncan Jackson Van de Putte
Ellis Lucio Watson
Eltife Nelson Wentworth
Estes Nichols West
Fraser Ogden Williams
Gallegos Patrick Zaffirini