STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2013) – State Sens. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) and Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis) recognized the Richmond Hills Investigation Team today for their efforts following the Nov. 10 explosion on the south side of Indianapolis.

The explosion destroyed 33 homes in Richmond Hills, damaged 90 and forced 200 people to evacuate the neighborhood. It resulted in the injury of seven people and the death of Jennifer and John Longworth, two residents of Richmond Hills.

“I want to recognize the countless hours members of the Richmond Hills Investigation Team spent to bring justice, support and normalcy to their community,” Merritt said. “We experienced a terrible tragedy, but their efforts were a major step in revitalizing the neighborhood’s faith in each other and bringing us some closure.”

Merritt and Miller noted how instrumental the Richmond Hills Investigation Team was in responding to this devastating event and uncovering the cause of the explosion.

“Our loss from this terrible tragedy cannot be overstated,” Miller said. “We certainly owe a great deal of gratitude to the community members, first responders and police and fire department officials who stepped up to help all those affected by this. Indianapolis was fortunate to have such heroic individuals, like those on the Investigation Team, providing community support and vital work during a difficult time.”

The Senate passed Senate Resolution 38 to thank the Richmond Hills Investigation Team for their contributions to the explosion response and investigation. Officials present to accept the honor included Troy Riggs, public safety director of Indianapolis; Valarie Washington, deputy public safety director of Indianapolis; Gary Coons, director of Indianapolis Homeland Security; Denise Robinson, deputy prosecutor of Marion County Prosecutor’s Special Crimes Unit; Jeff Wager, homicide detective; David Kinsey, arson detective; Mario Garza, investigator. 

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