Tennessee HJR 884: Memorials, Recognition - Line workers, first responders, and highway and transportation crews for their efforts during Winter Storm Fern -

Bill Text

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 884
By Hale
HJR0884
012737
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A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Tennessee line workers,
first responders, and highway and transportation
crews for their brave and tireless efforts during
Winter Storm Fern.

WHEREAS, it is the privilege of the members of this General Assembly to recognize
those devoted Tennesseans who, in the discharge of their duties, commit long hours and often
place themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Winter Storm Fern, which began impacting Tennessee on January 24,
2026, brought with it a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that coated roads, trees,
and power lines in a layer of ice, accompanied by frigid temperatures that lingered for several
days; and
WHEREAS, this historic winter storm caused widespread disruption and danger across
the State of Tennessee, including the closure of schools and offices, impassable roads, and
extensive power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents from Memphis to
Nashville to Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, in the face of these perilous conditions, line workers from public and private
utilities across the State worked around the clock to restore power to homes and essential
services, even as temperatures plummeted into the single digits; and
WHEREAS, first responders, including emergency medical personnel, law enforcement
officers, firefighters, and emergency management officials, rose to meet the storm's challenges,
responding to accidents, checking on vulnerable residents, and maintaining public safety under
extreme conditions; and
WHEREAS, highway and transportation crews from the Tennessee Department of
Transportation and local agencies toiled without rest to clear snow and ice from roads and

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bridges, enabling emergency travel and ensuring supply chains remained intact during the
storm's most dangerous days; and
WHEREAS, together, these courageous and tireless workers acted with integrity, skill,
and determination, placing the welfare of others above their own comfort and safety; and
WHEREAS, these exemplary professionals represent the very best of public service and
community resilience, and they are richly deserving of our gratitude and recognition; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that we honor and commend the line workers, first responders, and highway
and transportation crews from across the State of Tennessee for their brave and selfless service
during Winter Storm Fern, extending our deepest appreciation to these heroic individuals who,
in a moment of great peril, came to the aid and rescue of their fellow citizens.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.