[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN MEMORY OF JOSE RIOS

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 1996

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
young Texas hero--Jose Rios, a 17-year-old who rescued a young boy from 
a house fire before tragically losing his own life during another 
heroic effort to save the life of the boy's brother.
  There are no words to adequately express our sorrow when one so 
young, acting in such a courageous manner, should be taken so 
tragically. To his family and friends in the small community of Royse 
City, where he lived, he is a genuine hero. And as is common in small 
communities across America when tragedy strikes, the citizens of Royse 
City have united in their efforts to help the families of the victims 
and to make sure that Jose Rios will forever be remembered for his 
selfless act of courage.
  Early in the morning of February 20, 1996, a fire broke out from a 
space heater in the bedroom shared by 11-year-old Aron Carreon and his 
7-year-old brother, Ramon. Jose observed the fire coming from his 
neighbors' house and rushed over to help. He broke through the bedroom 
window and carried the wheelchair-bound Ramon to safety, apparently 
with the assistance of Ramon's brother, Aron. Without stopping to think 
of his own safety, Jose rushed back into the burning house in an effort 
to save Aron, but he was overtaken by smoke. Rescue efforts by the 
local fire department ended in vain. Both Jose and Aron died of smoke 
inhalation.
  Jose was a student at Royse City High School. Principal Ruth Cherry 
said, ``He's a hero. He helped a lot of the students who are new from 
Mexico. We'll miss him. I'm so happy to have known him.'' Aron was a 
student at Royse City Elementary School, where Principal Gary Evers 
described him as a ``wonderful boy'' who was respected and loved by 
everyone.
  Royse City has been deeply moved by this act of courage and by the 
premature deaths of these two young boys. The story was carried in area 
newspapers. A memorial fund was established. There are plans for a 
permanent memorial. Jose Rios deserves this recognition, Mr. Speaker, 
and he deserves our respect. So as we adjourn today, I would like to 
ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this courageous young 
Texan, Jose Rios, and to his young neighbor, Aaron Carreon, who died 
along with him. They will be missed by all those in Royse City who knew 
and loved them.
  And they will be remembered. Jose Rios will be remembered as a 
genuine hero, one who gave his life to save the life of another. Mr. 
Speaker, Jose Rios is a hero for all times.

                          ____________________