IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing brothers Matthew and Michael Rich, and Josue Julian ("J.J.") Tijerina, Jr., for their heroic actions saving multiple individuals trapped by flash flooding in the Northeast area of Kansas City.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 19273, October 3, 2016
INTRODUCED BY Crystal Williams, Theresa Galvin, Garry J. Baker, Tony Miller, Scott
Burnett, Alfred Jordan, Dennis Waits, Dan Tarwater III and Greg Grounds, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, on August 26, 2016, a torrential rain storm created a hazardous situation near the intersection of Truman Road and Askew Avenue in the Northeast area of Kansas City; and,
WHEREAS, as flash floods made the area impassable, brothers Matthew and Michael Rich and their friend, Josue Julian ("J.J.") Tijerina, were at the home of the Rich's mother, Jeanette Herron, a long-time resident of the Northeast neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, the young men noticed drivers struggling in the flash flood waters surrounding the intersection of Truman Road and Askew Avenue and, without hesitation, jumped into action to rescue numerous stranded motorists that night; and,
WHEREAS, Matt, Michael, and J.J. risked their own lives and well-being to wade through water several feet high to pull drivers and passengers from submerged vehicles; and,
WHEREAS, the boys' rescue efforts took place over two hours, courageously saving multiple people from a highly dangerous situation; and,
WHEREAS, recently Matt, Michael, and J.J. were reunited with postal worker, Ed Shutt, who they rescued that night; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Shutt credits the young men with saving his life, stating that he would have drowned had they not come to his aid; and,
WHEREAS, Matt, 19, attended Northeast High School and works as a mechanic at his own small engine repair company and, his brother Michael, 16, a homeschooled student, is an avid fisherman, having won numerous awards for his fishing prowe...
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