CARCIERI ANNOUNCES RHODE ISLAND’S HOPE AWARD TO COMMEMORATE STATION NIGHT CLUB FIRE ANNIVERSARY

12-01-2005

Annual award will recognize first responders and caregivers

Governor Donald L. Carcieri today announced the establishment of Rhode Island’s Hope Award in honor of the Station Night Club fire victims, survivors, and family members. This award will annually recognize a first responder and caregiver who act above and beyond the call of duty during an emergency or tragedy.

Governor Carcieri said the award will be a meaningful way to recognize those who contributed so much during a time of tragedy nearly three years ago, while remembering all of those who were affected by the fire. The two winners of the 2006 award will be announced at a ceremony in February.

“While we were all overcome by great sorrow, we were moved by the spirit of our community,” Governor Carcieri said. “We saw the heroic actions of firefighters, rescue workers, police, medical professionals, counselors and friends. Without question, we were given strength by residents of all ages who came to help.”

“I am pleased to announce that we are establishing the Rhode Island’s Hope Award to pay tribute to those courageous individuals who exhibited countless acts of heroism throughout the course of our state’s greatest tragedy. This is an opportunity for us to remember the first responders, healthcare workers, counselors, therapists, and residents who gave selflessly during our state’s darkest hours.”

Two awards will be annually presented for the Outstanding Responder in a Crisis Situation and Outstanding Support Toward Recovery. Nominations for this year’s award will honor those who exhibited such selfless acts during the Station Night Club tragedy. In subsequent years, nominations will be accepted for persons who responded in other emergencies.

Nominations will be accepted through December 30. The Rhode Island’s Anchor of Hope Award committee will review the nominations and determine the award winners.

Dr. Joseph Amaral, President & CEO of Rhode Island Hospital and a member of the Rhode Island’s Hope Award committee, said that individuals representing the medical, religious, and social services communities, first responders and victims came together to develop a way to commemorate the Station Night Club fire anniversary. “It became clear that there was a need to somehow recognize the tremendous efforts of the many people who responded to the fire and who care for those who were injured,” Dr. Amaral said.

Frank McGonagle, a committee member and a member of the Phoenix Society, an international support group of burn survivors and victims, said that the awards will play a role in helping burn victims with their emotional healing. “Burn victims deeply appreciate the heroism and sacrifices that have been essential in their survival and healing,” McGonagle said. “That’s why it is so fitting to recognize those who have given life and hope to the Station fire victims with this award.”

Members of the Rhode Island’s Hope Award committee are: Dr. Amaral; Frank McGonagle; Jane Hayward, Office of Health and Human Services; Rev. John Holt, RI Council of Churches; Margaret Kane, American Lung Association; Craig Stenning, Department of Mental Health, Retardation, and Hospitals; Kathy Sullivan, Station fire survivor; Robert Warren, RI Emergency Management Agency; and Sue Stenhouse, Governor’s Office.

For further information about the award and a nomination form, visit www.governor.ri.gov or call Governor Carcieri’s Community Relations office at 222-2389.