Title
Recognizing and honoring Donnell Gibson for his exemplary character and citizenship, and for his selfless acts of courage in the rescue of residents of a burning building on April 1, 2015.
Body
Whereas, Donnell Gibson grew up in St. Paul in a family that faced many economic and social challenges; and
Whereas, Donnell rose above the hardships and challenges of his childhood and graduated from St. Paul Johnson High School, becoming the first member of his family to graduate from high school; and
Whereas, Donnell gave up the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level in order to focus on raising his son; and
Whereas, Donnell attended the St. Paul EMS Academy and is a certified EMT, now working at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center; and
Whereas, Donnell serves as a mentor and example for his own children and for youth he encounters at Jimmy Lee and through his involvement with the Youth in Transition Program; and
Whereas, on April 1, 2015, unseasonably hot weather and high winds resulted in a number of fires in and around the Twin Cities, including one involving multiple dwellings near Front and Western Avenues; and
Whereas, Donnell was passing by the fire on Front and Western on his way to work, and stopped to assist three children and seven other residents to escape a home whose roof had just become involved in the fire which had already destroyed the neighboring home; and
Whereas, at a time when media attention is focused on negative stories, it is especially important to recognize the personal successes and contributions of citizens; now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the City of St. Paul recognizes and honors Donnell Gibson for his strength of character and citizenship, and his bravery and selflessness during the fire on April 1, 2015.