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Commending Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher S. Cupito, USN.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 13, 2026
WHEREAS, Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher S. Cupito, USN, was nominated for the Gold Lifesaving Medal from the United States Coast Guard and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for saving the life of a stranger who had jumped off the West Norfolk Bridge into the Elizabeth River in September of 2024; and
WHEREAS, on the morning of September 4, 2024, a driver created a dangerous situation by driving the wrong direction on the West Norfolk Bridge before exiting the vehicle and leaping into the Elizabeth River below; and
WHEREAS, witnessing the incident, Christopher Cupito disregarded his own safety and acted without hesitation, racing through the chaotic scene to the marina at the base of the bridge, where he located a paddleboard and began swimming toward the man, who was struggling to stay afloat; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Cupito helped the man onto the paddleboard and guided him to safety, avoiding recreational boaters who created an additional hazard by crowding the narrow channel; the man was evaluated by first responders at the scene and transported to a local hospital for further treatment; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Cupito visited the hospital the following day to check on the man, demonstrating his exceptional compassion and commitment to humanitarian service; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Cupito's valiant, unselfish actions reflect the highest ideals of the Commonwealth and the United States Navy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher S. Cupito, USN, hereby be commended for saving the life of a stranger in September 2024; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher S. Cupito, USN, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his heroic, lifesaving actions.