TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MATTHEW COCKFIELD OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 801 OF THE PEE DEE AREA COUNCIL, WHO DISPLAYED EXTRAORDINARY PRESENCE OF MIND AND SWIFTNESS OF ACTION TO RENDER AID, TO EXPRESS DEEP-FELT GRATITUDE FOR HIS SELFLESS ACTIONS, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON RECEIVING THE BOY SCOUTS LIFESAVING AND MERITORIOUS ACTION AWARD.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn of the actions of Matthew Cockfield, an Eagle Scout of Boy Scout Troop 801 of the Pee Dee Area Council on October 25, 2019; and

Whereas, since the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910, its mission has been to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law, which, among other things, includes the pledge to "do duty to God and our Country and to help other people at all times;" and

Whereas, on October 25, 2019, Matthew Cockfield and Noah Carter both Scouts of Troop 801, came upon a citizen in need while driving along Carolina Forest Boulevard; and

Whereas, the pair called for emergency services and, using skills obtained through first aid training as a part of the Boy Scouts, they determined the citizen in need was having a seizure and rendered aid until further assistance could arrive; and

Whereas, there is a proud and cherished legacy of Scouting in America and in this State. The quickness and decisiveness of Matthew Cockfield and Noah Carter's actions directly contributed to the health and safety of another and is a testament to their tremendous character and the effectiveness of prepared Scouts in action; and

Whereas, Matthew Cockfield has attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must demonstrate that he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life, he must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or his community; and he must earn a total of twenty-one merit badges, actively serve in a position of responsibility within his troop for six months, take part in a Scoutmaster conference, and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are honored to recognize the heroism and determination of those, like Matthew Cockfield, who go above and beyond in the service of others, and are happy to congratulate him upon receiving the Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award for his actions on October 25, 2019. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Matthew Cockfield of Boy Scout Troop 801 of the Pee Dee Area Council, who displayed extraordinary presence of mind and swiftness of action to render aid, express deep-felt gratitude for his selfless actions, and congratulate him on receiving the Boy Scouts Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Matthew Cockfield.