[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO VALDEMAR DELGADO AND BEN HOWARD FOR THEIR BRAVERY OF SERVICE 
                    TO THE CICERO POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Valdemar 
Delgado and Ben Howard, two outstanding individuals from my district. 
It was on January 8, 1997, that two Cicero police officers, Andre Van 
Vegten and Matthew Koman, were in need of immediate assistance and Mr. 
Delgado and Mr. Howard stopped to aid in rescuing the two officers from 
a burning vehicle.
  While responding to a call of a man with a gun at 44th Street near 
Cicero Avenue, the officers were involved in an accident that caused 
flames which protruded through the hood of the patrol vehicle. At the 
time, Delgado and Howard were passing by and saw the flames. Without 
any hesitation or regard for their own safety, they immediately 
attended to the two officers inside the burning vehicle.
  With much bravery and commendation, Delgado and Howard attempted to 
pry open the door of the patrol vehicle with a crowbar without success. 
After many attempts Delgado was able to break the window and pull 
Officer Koman out to safety. At the same time, Howard was able to 
remove Officer Van Vegten from the vehicle.
  Because of their quick response and thinking, Delgado and Howard were 
successfully able to remove both Officers Van Vegten and Koman from 
fatal harm. Both officers were then taken to area hospitals for life-
saving treatment. Valdemar Delgado and Ben Howard were congratulated 
and honored on January 14, 1997, for their heroism and bravery by the 
mayor and City of Chicago Council.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate and commend these two fine individuals 
for their bravery and selfless act. I am very proud and honored to have 
people like Valdemar Delgado and Ben Howard who give so much to help 
with the safety of our community.

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