PRINTER'S NO. 1096
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
172
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY STEFANO, JULY 26, 2017
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, JULY 26, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of July 22 through 29, 2017, as "Nine for
Nine Fifteenth Anniversary Remembrance Week" in Pennsylvania,
commemorating the 15th anniversary of the heroic and
unyielding efforts of those persons involved in the rescue of
the nine coal miners trapped in the Quecreek coal mine,
Somerset County, from July 24 through 28, 2002.
WHEREAS, A near tragedy of epic proportions began at the
Black Wolf Mining Company's Quecreek coal mine on July 24, 2002,
when nine miners became trapped 240 feet below the surface of
the mine entrance; and
WHEREAS, Due to the actions of the nine trapped miners, a
greater potential tragedy was averted when an urgent radio
warning was sent by the trapped miners to another crew who were
able to escape from icy flood waters; and
WHEREAS, As days passed and the danger of the situation
became more and more evident, many heroic people devoted
limitless hours to saving the nine trapped miners and were
unyielding to the possibility that their efforts might be in
vain; and
WHEREAS, The true heroes of the event, the nine trapped
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miners, demonstrated exceptional faith, endurance and raw
courage: Randy Fogle of Garrett, Thomas Foy of Berlin, Dennis
Hall of Johnstown, Ronald Hileman of Gray, Harry Mayhugh of
Meyersdale, John Phillippi of Boswell, Mark Popernack of
Somerset, Robert Pugh of Boswell and John Unger of Hollsopple;
and
WHEREAS, Other true heroes included former Governor Mark S.
Schweiker and the leadership team he assembled, along with the
many fire companies and volunteer rescue workers of Somerset
County; and
WHEREAS, The miracle which occurred at the Quecreek coal mine
is that all nine miners survived the ordeal, thereby originating
the "nine for nine" legacy while affirming the efforts of the
many people who were involved in the rescue and enriching the
spirit of our nation and the faith of its people; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of July 22
through 29, 2017, as "Nine for Nine Fifteenth Anniversary
Remembrance Week" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate commemorate the heroism shown by
former Governor Mark S. Schweiker, his leadership team, the fire
company and volunteer rescue workers and coal miners Randy
Fogle, Thomas Foy, Dennis Hall, Ronald Hileman, Harry Mayhugh,
John Phillippi, Mark Popernack, Robert Pugh and John Unger on
those inspiring days of July 24 through 28, 2002.
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