[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 1997 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VALOR AWARD 
                                WINNERS

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 1998

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the 1997 Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce Valor Award 
winners. The Valor Awards honor public service officers who have 
demonstrated extreme self-sacrifice, personal bravery and ingenuity in 
the performance of duty. There are five categories: The gold Medal, the 
Silver Medal, the Bronze Medal, the Certificate of Valor, and the 
Lifesaving Award.
  The Silver Medal Award Winners are Lieutenant Steve Barr, Technician 
I Richard Scott, and Technician I Channing Furr.
  Lieutenant Barr, Technician I Scott, and Technician I Furr showed 
outstanding judgement and initiative after a car crashed into the rear 
of a restaurant. Beneath the car, a natural gas line severed by the 
crash created an explosion hazard, with the driver, suffering from 
severe traumatic injuries, trapped inside. Acting quickly and 
effectively, the team members were able to mitigate the gas leak and 
attend to the patient, by demonstrating outstanding initiative and 
judgement.
  The Bronze Medal Award Winners are Officer Bryan E. Sutton and 
Officer J.S. Dillon.
  Officer Sutton responded to a complainant whose husband was 
threatening suicide. The husband appeared before the wife and Officer 
Sutton brandishing a knife. Officer Sutton placed the wife out of 
harm's way and calmly talked the husband into surrendering, thereby 
bringing a potentially volatile situation to a safe conclusion.
  Officer Dillon responded to a burglary in progress where shots had 
been fired. He arrived to find that suspect had taken an occupant 
hostage at gunpoint. Officer Dillon negotiated with the hostage, 
successfully diffusing a potentially life-threatening situation with no 
injuries or loss of life.
  The Certificate of Valor Award Winners are HM3 Robert R. Robinson II 
and Police Administrative Specialist Donna Lisa Belcher.
  Petty Officer Robinson, while on vacation, heard about a severe 
accident on his CB radio. He proceeded to the scene where he located 
and assisted victims until medical help could arrive. Petty Officer 
Robinson's expertise, dedication to duty, and professionalism were a 
tremendous asset to the arriving rescue personnel.
  Police Administrative Specialist Belcher assisted in the apprehension 
of a suspect who had been wanted for murder for several months. Due to 
her persistence and ingenuity, she was able to locate an address for an 
out-of-state relative where the suspect was found and arrested.
  The Lifesaving Award Winner is Telecommunicator Alma Boteler.
  Telecommunicator Boteler received an emergency 9-1-1 call from a man 
whose pregnant wife of six months was giving birth to her baby in a 
toilet. Because of Telecommunicator Boteler's ability to effectively 
communicate life-saving procedures under difficult circumstances, the 
husband was able to remove the baby from the toilet and give it mouth 
to mouth resuscitation, saving the baby's life.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in congratulating these 
fine heroes, who every day, unselfishly devote themselves to aiding 
those in need. I have the highest appreciation for their untiring 
dedication and outstanding service.

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