[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING THE BRAVERY OF MR. LEON BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I honor Mr. Leon 
Baker, from Greenville, Michigan, for his heroic actions. On May 14, 
1998 while working for the Greenville Water Department he noticed a 
home engulfed in fire. After reporting the fire, he ran to the door of 
the house and heard an elderly woman's cry for help. Without concern 
for his own life he entered the burning house, located and carried the 
woman to safety. Due to his selfless actions, the woman's life was 
saved.
  Mr. Baker is truly a hero--even though he refuses to acknowledge that 
he showed a great deal of bravery in his heroic actions. It was without 
concern for his own well being that Mr. Baker heroically responded to a 
desperate call for help and rescued a fellow citizen.
  In response to being called a hero he humbly said ``I don't classify 
myself as a hero, just as a good American. I would hope someone would 
do the same for me if I needed help. I'm a Christian and I did it for 
that reason. God is my motivation. I'm just glad I could save her.'' 
This demonstrates his unselfishness and commitment to his fellow 
Americans. It is this type of bravery and courage that helped found 
America. Leon Baker is an example of what is so great about America. I 
salute him for his heroic actions, bravery and genuine care for his 
fellow citizens.

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