WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 1520

Memorials, Heroism - Dustin Frank, Brian Fernandez, Anthony Blackwell, and Terry McConkey -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Lowell Russell

Tennessee honors four individuals for lifesaving actions during a park rescue, commending their courage and teamwork in saving a trapped worker.

Signed by Governor.
#heroism #memorials
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 1520

Summary of House Joint Resolution 1520 (HJR 1520) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Purpose

HJR 1520 is a commemorative resolution recognizing and honoring four individuals for their lifesaving actions during an emergency incident at Kefauver Park in Madisonville on April 14, 2026. The bill aims to publicly acknowledge their heroism and present an official copy of the resolution to them.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Honorees: Dustin Frank, Brian Fernandez, Anthony Blackwell, and Terry McConkey.
    • Dustin Frank: Madisonville Parks and Recreation employee who aided in the rescue.
    • Terry McConkey: Bystander who assisted in the rescue.
    • Brian Fernandez and Anthony Blackwell: Inmates assigned to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office work release program who helped extract the victim from the water.
  • Incident Context: A Madisonville city employee, Tyler Copeland, was trapped under an overturned mower in a pond at Kefauver Park while performing maintenance duties.
  • Actions Recognized:
    • The group entered the water and pulled Copeland to the embankment.
    • Blackwell grabbed Copeland and pulled him to the shore; Fernandez assisted in lifting Copeland from the pond.
    • Frank commenced CPR on Copeland after they reached dry ground, with continued efforts to clear water from the airway and stomach.
    • EMS and the Madisonville Fire Department subsequently provided medical care; Copeland regained consciousness and was able to breathe and communicate by the time responders arrived.
  • Recognition: The resolution expresses gratitude for the quick response and coordinated efforts of bystanders, city personnel, and emergency responders, noting their critical role in saving Copeland’s life.
  • Formal Action: The House (with Senate concurrence) resolves to honor and commend the four individuals for their lifesaving actions.
  • Delivery of Copy: An appropriate copy of the resolution will be prepared and presented to the honorees, with a provision to omit the final house/senate designation language on the copy.

Who Is Affected

  • Acknowledged individuals: Dustin Frank, Brian Fernandez, Anthony Blackwell, and Terry McConkey.
  • Indirectly affected parties include:
    • Tyler Copeland (the rescued individual, whose life was saved).
    • Madisonville Parks and Recreation Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office work release program.
    • Madisonville Fire Department and Monroe County EMS (medical responders).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Date of Incident Referenced: April 14, 2026.
  • Legislative Action: Filed for introduction on April 20, 2026.
  • Status: House Joint Resolution; the bill text confirms acknowledgment and request for official recognition. The action history indicates introduction in 2026 legislative session, with co-sponsorship by Rep. Lowell Russell.
  • No Fiscal Impacts or Policy Changes: The text functions as a ceremonial/honorary resolution rather than imposing costs, regulations, or procedural requirements on agencies or individuals.

Summary Verdict

HJR 1520 serves as a formal, non-binding tribute from Tennessee’s General Assembly to four individuals for their exceptional lifesaving response during a park incident. It highlights courage, teamwork across city staff, bystanders, and a work-release program, and it memorializes their actions in an official state document.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.