[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    JOHN FORTHMAN: A COMMUNITY HERO

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                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary 
citizen who has given much to his community. Mr. John Forthman, who 
resides in Lilbourn, MO, in my congressional district, is an 
exceptional individual and a role model to every American.
  Mr. Forthman has worked with the New Madrid County Civil Defense for 
9 years. His services have included storm spotting, emergency 
organization, and disaster relief. In 1992, he obtained his EMT license 
in order to better respond to medical emergencies within the community. 
Since then, he has been working with the New Madrid County ambulance 
service and attending continuing education classes in emergency 
medicine. He has also been a volunteer firefighter for the city of 
Lilbourn for over 8 years. For the last 2 years, he has filled the 
position of fire chief, playing an integral role in building a much-
needed fire station for his hometown of Lilbourn.
  Mr. Forthman's service to the community doesn't stop there; he is 
also a reserve deputy for the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department. 
He is a commissioned deputy and works to assist the full-time officers 
to prevent crime in the area.
  It would seem that with these numerous activities, Mr. Forthman would 
have time for nothing else. Yet, he is involved in the area Little 
League and various high school athletics and works full time for the 
Electric Cooperative New Madrid Powerplant, where he has been for the 
last 20 years. He also spends much time with his wife and two children.
  Citizens such as Mr. Forthman are unfortunately few and far between. 
The people of Lilbourn are lucky to know John Forthman, and I am proud 
to recognize him for his many achievements.

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