III 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 85
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
MARCH 13, 2003
Received 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Expressing the sense of the Congress with regard to the 
need for improved fire safety in nonresidential buildings 
in the aftermath of the tragic fire on February 20, 
2003, at a nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island.
Whereas, on the night of February 20, 2003, a pyrotechnic 
display ignited a massive fire at The Station nightclub in 
West Warwick, Rhode Island; 
Whereas 99 people have died as a result of the fire and an 
additional 186 people were injured in the fire, many of 
whom remain hospitalized as of the date of the
HCON 85 RDS 
submission of this resolution with life-threatening burns 
and other injuries; 
Whereas the victims of the fire were residents of Rhode Is-
land, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and several other 
States; 
Whereas the firefighters, police officers (particularly officers 
of the West Warwick Police Department who were the 
first to arrive on the scene), and medical personnel who 
responded to the fire performed heroically under horrific 
circumstances, and they risked their own lives to save 
many of the injured; 
Whereas, at hospitals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, 
doctors, nurses, hospital staff, mental health profes-
sionals, and other health care workers toiled through the 
night and in the following days to care for the injured, 
and they continue to provide world-class care to victims 
of the fire who remain hospitalized; 
Whereas hospital care for victims of the fire was provided at 
Rhode Island Hospital, Kent County Hospital, South 
County Hospital, Fatima Hospital, Massachusetts Gen-
eral Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, 
Landmark Hospital, University of Massachusetts/Worces-
ter Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Westerly 
Hospital, Shriners Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Memo-
rial Hospital, Charlton Hospital, and Newport Hospital; 
Whereas the local Red Cross, with 10 paid staff and over 400 
dedicated volunteers, has played a critical role in offering 
comfort to the families of victims and coordinating serv-
ices;
HCON 85 RDS 
Whereas State and local officials have responded to the fire 
and its aftermath quickly, effectively, and compas-
sionately, and the people of Rhode Island and the Nation 
are grateful for their efforts; 
Whereas Governor Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island and West 
Warwick Town Manager Wolfgang Bauer have shown ex-
ceptional leadership under trying circumstances and their 
sensitivity to the families impacted by the tragedy is 
much appreciated; Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty and 
Maj. Gen. Reginald Centracchio, as Co-Chairs of the 
Emergency Management Advisory Council, have also 
played a crucial role in responding to the tragedy; and 
the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has 
impressively and effectively coordinated a myriad of State 
and local activities; 
Whereas area funeral directors and medical examiners have 
provided outstanding service throughout the tragedy; 
Whereas the staff of the local family resource center has 
helped the families of victims to access the services and 
information they need and provided care and comfort to 
hundreds of grieving family members; 
Whereas the people of Rhode Island and concerned citizens 
across the United States have shown incredible generosity 
in response to the tragedy, contributing hundreds of 
thousands of dollars to victims’ assistance efforts; 
Whereas many local businesses have provided victims and 
their families with crucial services from food to transpor-
tation, members of the Rhode Island Bar Association and 
Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association have offered free 
assistance to victims and their families with immediate 
legal issues, and community mental health centers and