88R23016 BK-D
By: Spiller H.R. No. 1080
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Acting swiftly and decisively, a number of Lampasas
County first responders worked together to rescue two children who
were trapped inside a cave on March 18, 2023; and
WHEREAS, At around 5 p.m. that day, two paramedics from
Hamilton EMS were dispatched to a location on the Lampasas River,
where it was reported that a cave had collapsed with children
inside; the first responders on the scene, which included other
EMS, fire service, and law enforcement personnel, discovered that
the cave was on the opposite side of the river and down an
embankment, where the water was several feet deep; and
WHEREAS, The rescuers, who swam across the river to reach the
victims, faced the danger involved with entering a cave that had a
high probability of collapsing, along with the risks inherent in
moving critically injured children across the river to emergency
transport; after being safely evacuated from the cave, the two
children were assessed to be in stable condition and were
transported to area hospitals; in addition to the individuals who
heroically placed themselves in harm's way to save the lives of the
children in the cave, a number of emergency medical professionals
provided urgent care for the victims' injuries; and
WHEREAS, Assisting in the effort were paramedics Alexander
Haynes and Robert Metheny, EMTs Kyle Keahey and Charles
Vandergriff, and paramedic captain Heather Johnson of Hamilton EMS;
Wayland Allen, Justin Barkley, Steven Smith, Bailey Harner,
Jennifer Lundt, Lexis Hansen, and Chief Cornelia Green of the
Kempner Volunteer Fire Department; Frank Potter, Morris Wilkins,
and Captain Colton Baker of the Lampasas Fire Department; Jason
Collins, Jason Hume, and Sergeant Jerome Ervin of the Lampasas
County Sheriff's Office; and Aspen Walker of the Kempner Police
Department; and
WHEREAS, These exceptional men and women conducted a perilous
rescue operation with the utmost professionalism, efficiency, and
courage, and through their actions, they prevented a terrible
tragedy and earned the heartfelt admiration of a grateful
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commend the first responders who went above and
beyond to save two children trapped inside a cave in Lampasas County
on March 18, 2023, and extend to them sincere appreciation for their
outstanding service to their fellow citizens.