HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrsntatn - E.Harnik Life-Saving ActErica Harnik
Whereas, On May 4, 2016, Erica Harnik saved the life of another when she prevented a woman
from committing suicide, and in recognition of her heroic actions, she is deserving of highest
public commendations; and
Whereas, Distinguishing herself professionally as the Coachella Valley Senior Representative
for the Riverside Chapter of the Building Industry Association, Erica Harnik was returning with
a co-worker to their Riverside office after picking up lunch when Erica noticed an unfamiliar
sight as the car approached the merger from Interstate 215 onto Highway 91; and
Whereas, Erica saw that a woman was perched on the ledge of the freeway overpass, apparently
prepared to end her own life; in a moment of bravery, selflessness, immediacy, Erica demanded
that her co-worker stop the car, giving her enough time to cross the freeway, grab the woman
from behind, and bring her down to safety; and
Whereas, When the woman tried to retreat to her still running car only a short distance away,
Erica blocked her path, working to engage and reassure the woman, and she was soon joined in
her efforts by other good Samaritans, including a man who brought a chair for the shaken
woman, and another woman who removed the keys from the would be jumpers car, preventing
any possibility of an unexpected exit; and
Whereas, Erica remained with the woman until the police arrived to take her to the hospital; for
her quick and appropriate response, Erica has justly earned the respect and gratitude of the entire
community, especially her parents, Palm Desert Mayor Pro-Tem Jan Harnik and veteran trial
lawyer Brian Harnk, as senior partner at Roemer & flarnik LLP; and
Whereas, An active member of the Coachella Valley community who graduated from Palm
Desert High School before going on to attend the university of California, Riverside, from which
she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Erica had the opportunity to work for
Congressman Ken Calvert in Washington, D.C., during her last quarter of college, and she also
has taken many post -graduate classes focusing on public health and emergency management
since graduating and still engages in workshops and forums; and
Whereas, An avid runner and hiker, Erica sold Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Aston Martin
automobiles at Desert European Motorcars in Rancho Mirage prior to assuming her current
position with the Building Industry Association; and
Whereas, Throughout its history, California has been blessed with residents who possess great
public spirit, who, in addition to their daily pursuits, have taken a keen interest in helping others,
and through her heroic efforts, Erica Harnik has brought great distinction to herself as a true
community leader dedicated to serving the needs of others; now, therefore, be it,
Resolved by Assembly Member Chad Mayes, That Erica Harnik be commended for her life-
saving actions on May 4, 2016 and her exemplary record of personal, professional, and civic
achievement, and extended sincere best wishes for continued success in the future.
Members Resolution No. 1536
Dated this 4"' day of May, 2016