PolicyBrief
H.RES. 624
119th CongressAug 1st 2025
Honoring the life and heroic sacrifice of Mr. Anderson "Chase" Childers, a former Georgia police officer who selflessly sacrificed his life rescuing swimmers from a deadly rip current off the coast of South Carolina.
IN COMMITTEE

This resolution formally honors the life and heroic sacrifice of former Georgia police officer Anderson "Chase" Childers, who died saving swimmers from a rip current in South Carolina.

Russell Fry
R

Russell Fry

Representative

SC-7

LEGISLATION

Congress Honors Heroic Officer Who Died Saving Five from South Carolina Rip Current

This Congressional resolution is a formal tribute to Mr. Anderson “Chase” Childers, a former Georgia police officer who tragically gave his life on July 13, 2025, while rescuing five people caught in a deadly rip current near Pawleys Island, South Carolina. The text specifically honors his “heroic sacrifice” and acknowledges his extensive service as a decorated officer with the Cobb County Police Department before his death at age 38.

The Final Act of Service

This resolution is essentially the House of Representatives pausing to recognize a profound act of selflessness. It points out that Mr. Childers, who was also a former minor league baseball player, exhausted himself ensuring the safety of the family caught in the current, reflecting the “honor and duty he lived by.” For regular people, this kind of resolution matters because it formally recognizes the value of service and sacrifice, offering a moment of collective pause and respect for someone who made the ultimate decision to put others first.

Condolences and Acknowledgment

The resolution doesn't stop at honoring the deceased; it extends the deepest sympathies to Mr. Childers’ family, including his wife, Nataley, and their three children. It also makes a point of commending the first responders who were involved in the recovery efforts following the tragic event. This formal acknowledgment, while symbolic, provides comfort and recognition to those grieving and to the emergency personnel who often deal with the difficult aftermath of such tragedies.

A Call for Public Safety Awareness

Beyond the tribute, the House uses this moment to address the danger that caused the tragedy in the first place: rip currents. The resolution voices support for public education campaigns designed to teach people about rip currents, aiming to prevent future loss of life. This is the part that could actually impact your next beach vacation, serving as a legislative nudge toward better public safety awareness. While the resolution itself doesn't fund these campaigns, it highlights the importance of understanding water safety—a crucial reminder for any family heading to the coast.