WHEREAS
, at approximately 8:30 AM on February 10, eight construction workers were hard at work smoothing concrete onto a ramp that would form part of the underground parking garage at the Regional Performing Arts Center; and
WHEREAS
, suddenly, the gridwork supporting the platform on which they were standing collapsed, plunging the eight men 40 feet into a pit filled with steel, wood and 40 tons of fresh concrete; and
WHEREAS
, Russell Buoncuore, a crane operator for nearly 38 years, immediately blew the crane's horn to alert other workers of the danger; and
WHEREAS
, within minutes fire trucks, ambulances, police and other rescue workers converged on the scene, working to free the trapped men. Two men were freed by emergency personnel, leaving six trapped in the debris; and
WHEREAS
, without hesitation, Mr. Buoncuore swung the 230foot boom over the hole where a stretcher was attached to the hook. As the men were loaded on the stretcher one at a time, Mr. Buocuore gingerly and smoothly lifted each man from the hole to the waiting ambulances. One mistake could have shifted the stretcher, sending an injured man back into pit; and
WHEREAS
, miraculously, all eight men are expected to make a full recovery. Doctors and City officials credit the quick work of the rescue teams and in particular, Mr. Buoncuore, calling him a hero; now therefore
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
That we hereby honor and commend Russell Buoncuore for going above and beyond the call of duty. His act of heroism is a shining example of what the golden rule means and how we should all respond in moments of danger and stress.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Mr. Buoncuore as evidence of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End