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 prowess since he was six-years-old; and,
WHEREAS, thirteen-year-old J.J., the son of Melissa Marie Aulgur, is a seventh grade student at Northeast Middle School; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby recognizes Matt Rich, Michael Rich, and J.J. Tijerina for their heroic service to the citizens of Jackson County and the community.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 19273 of October 3, 2016, was duly passed on October 17, 2016 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9_________ Nays _______0_______
Abstaining ____0______ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature