TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND GRATITUDE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO CHARLESTON POLICE SERGEANT PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN FOR HIS HEROIC ACTION IN THE LINE OF DUTY THAT SAVED A LIFE IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are deeply grateful to Charleston Police Sergeant Patrick McLaughlin and his quick thinking and action that saved a life during the event known as the Second Sunday on King Street; and

Whereas, a native of the Upstate, Patrick McLaughlin earned a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in criminal justice from the College of Charleston; and

Whereas, he was drawn to a career in law enforcement through a family legacy, and he represents the third generation of his family to serve in law enforcement. His father and both his paternal and maternal grandfathers, all now retired, served as police officers; and

Whereas, a member of the Charleston Police Department since 2002, Sergeant McLaughlin was working in an off-duty capacity during the Second Sunday on King Street event on April 12, 2015, when he responded to a participant having a seizure at a King Street address; and

Whereas, when Sergeant McLaughlin arrived on the scene, he saw that the subject had stopped breathing, and he immediately started to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). After about thirty compressions, the subject began to breathe again on his own and became more responsive; and

Whereas, a nurse stepped forward to assist, and Sergeant McLaughlin facilitated a quick response from fire and emergency medical services to get the party transported safely; and

Whereas due to his exceptional training, swift actions, and professionalism, Sergeant McLaughlin was able to help resuscitate the victim and prevent what could have been a tragedy in the midst of a large and crowded public event; and

Whereas, his mother, father, and two sisters, as well as an aunt, an uncle, and numerous cousins, reside in South Carolina; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives deeply appreciate Sergeant McLaughlin helping to make the Charleston community a better place in whatever way he can. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound gratitude to Charleston Police Sergeant Patrick McLaughlin for his heroic action in the line of duty that saved a life in downtown Charleston.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Charleston Police Sergeant Patrick McLaughlin.