[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING A LIFESAVING HERO

                                 ______


                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 1996

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a real hero. A man, who 
while driving his truck down a dark interstate far from home, had the 
courage to stop and lend a hand to save lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I speak of Clay County, KY truck driver Ronnie Brown--a 
man who did just that at 4:40 a.m., December 16.
  While traveling down Interstate I-40 in Winston-Salem, NC, the 43-
year-old trucker and part-time minister saw a glowing blaze just off 
the interstate.
  With quick and decisive action, Brown called 911 and contacted truck 
drivers in the area. The truckers collectively laid on their horns to 
make as much noise as they could.
  With horns a-blazin', Brown then lept from his truck, scampered 
across a six-lane highway, jumped a fence and ran into the apartment 
building, pounding on doors.
  In the end, the 24 residents of the building escaped unharmed and 
Brown's heroics garnered the praise and thanks of the residents and 
management of the apartment complex.
  Lawrence Berry, manager of the complex, wrote, ``We have classified 
Brown as a hero for his gallant efforts and would like to thank him 
personally.''
  Brown has a reputation as a Good Samaritan. He often can and will 
help stranded motorists or people in need--including running into 
burning buildings.
  Ronnie Brown is a real American hero. It is everyday people like 
Brown who make this country great, and hearing others praise his 
heroics makes me and all of our great State very proud.

                          ____________________