[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 107 (Friday, July 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8157-S8158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      DARRELL COLSON, HOOSIER HERO

 Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of a 
true Hoosier hero, Mr. Darrell Colson of Indianapolis. On July 15, 
1997, Mr. Colson performed a heroic act. While getting ready to leave 
his apartment complex pool, he noticed that his neighbor, Orian 
Williams, who moments earlier was swimming laps, was now drowning at 
the bottom of the pool. After an attempt by Kim Williams, his fiance, 
to rescue the young woman, Mr. Colson dove into the water and pulled 
Ms. Williams to safety. Once he was able to remove her from the water, 
Darrell Colson and Kim Williams performed CPR until the rescue team 
arrived. Orian Williams, who by then was in a coma, was rushed to a 
nearby community hospital where she regained consciousness after 
receiving medical treatment.
  This is a remarkable act, by a remarkable individual. However, what 
makes Ms. Williams' rescue truly amazing is that Mr. Colson is a 
paraplegic. Four years ago, Mr. Colson suffered a tragic accident when 
he fell 40 feet from a tree; he is now confined to a wheelchair. To 
save Ms. Williams, Darrell Colson maneuvered his wheelchair to the 
pool, dove in, held onto her with one arm and used the other to swim 
her to the surface. Despite his condition, Mr. Colson found the courage 
to risk his own life for a fellow human being. Mr. Colson may not think 
of himself as special, but he is a hero to both Orian Williams and to 
all of us who look to his selfless example for inspiration.
  I initiated the Hoosier Hero program in 1991 to recognize individuals 
who have made significant contributions to Indiana life, while at the 
same time serving as an inspirational example to the entire Nation. I 
cannot think of a more inspirational display of courage than saving the 
life of another individual. Last week, Mr. President, I was pleased to 
officially recognize Mr. Colson as a true Hoosier hero and awarded him 
a Hoosier Hero plaque.
  Mr. Colson never expected to save a life that day while he was 
relaxing at the pool. Yet, he demonstrated how we all need to be 
prepared if we are called upon to help others.
  Today I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Darrell Colson,

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whose actions not only saved a life but demonstrated extraordinary 
bravery and courage. I challenge others to follow the example of 
Darrell Colson and other heroes in our communities. They ask for no 
recognition, and no reward. For Darrell Colson, he just wanted to see 
Orian Williams awaken from her coma and walk out of the hospital. 
Fortunately, he got his wish, but also the recognition of a grateful 
community.

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