[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 HONORING O'BRIEN WEST FOR HIS HEROISM

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL SARPALIUS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 1994

  Mr. SARPALIUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to an outstanding young man in the 13th District 
of Texas--O'Brien West. On Sunday, May 15, 1994, O'Brien demonstrated 
the best in heroism and human compassion.
  At 9:00 p.m. that evening, a fire set off the fire alarm in the home 
of 95-year-old Marion Johnson. Unfortunately, her arthritis slowed her 
pace and delayed her getting to her phone. She recalls not being able 
to remember the fire department's phone number.
  Suddenly, putting his life in harm's way, O'Brien entered the burning 
house and put one of his arms around Ms. Johnson and the other around 
her walker. Together they made their way to the much-needed fresh air 
outside. But his concern for others continued.
  Not knowing if anyone was still inside the house, O'Brien rushed back 
inside and found a closed door. He knocked loudly on the door and 
yelled for anyone who might be inside. Because no one answered, O'Brien 
kicked the door down only to be met by a wall of black smoke and 
intense heat. He worked his way to the bed but no one was left. Content 
that the house was now empty he returned outside.
  Mr. Speaker, O'Brien's act of courage is most notable because of his 
age. He is an 18-year-old senior at Burkburnett High School. In a time 
when young people seem only to make headlines because of unacceptable 
behavior, it is an honor to pay tribute to a young man for uncommon 
courage. I trust we can all learn from his bravery and ability to think 
of others beyond himself.
  And to make this story grander, Ms. Johnson celebrated her 96th 
birthday the following day. I trust my colleagues will join me in 
praising O'Brien West for a job well done. In the words of Ms. Johnson, 
``He's a hero.''

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