[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HEROES OF EAST CHICAGO, IN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to 
commend the following residents of Indiana's First Congressional 
District for their display of bravery, community service, and 
altruistic heroism in rescuing over one hundred senior citizens from a 
fire in the Lake County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in East 
Chicago, Indiana, on June 20, 1998: Foster Battle, Leroy Butts, Dion 
Cook, Dwayne Cook, Priscilla Cook, Jermaine Cousinard, Betty Gibbs, 
Johnny Gillis, Darcey Glenn, Mitch Glover, Andrew Gregory, Dwayne 
Jackson, Anna Rose Jefferson, Jackie Jones, Joey Jones, Johnny Jones, 
Tyrus Julkes, Bennie Sapp, Louis Sapp, Willie Scott, Alan Simmons, Tim 
Taylor, Waylane Upshaw, Louis Ward, and Arthur Washington. In 
recognition of their unselfish efforts, these valiant heroes were 
honored by the City of East Chicago in a ceremony on July 1st, in Riley 
Park.
  Though five residents of the nursing home were hospitalized, there 
would have been many more injuries, and even death, if not for the 
dozens of neighbors, friends, and passers-by who rushed to the scene of 
the fire. Minutes before the fire trucks and firefighters arrived from 
the East Chicago Fire Department, the intrepid rescuers were breaking 
windows with their hands and feet to evacuate the 112 residents from 
the blazing nursing home. Placing their own lives in danger, these 
brave humanitarians repeatedly entered the building, evacuated 
residents, and aided firefighters in caring for the injured until 
medical help could arrive. If not for their heroic efforts, many more 
could have been injured, or might have perished, in the fire.
  This neighborhood effort shows the importance of community and 
friendship to the people of Northwest Indiana. Without the teamwork, 
leadership, and effort shown by these heroes, an unthinkable tragedy 
might have occurred. Moreover, these dauntless efforts represent the 
real value, respect, and honor the region shows its senior citizens. 
This noble rescue shows what a neighborhood can accomplish when working 
in concert, as well as representing an ideal of every true American 
community in a crisis.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending the brave efforts of these upstanding citizens, as 
well as the East Chicago Fire Department, for their extraordinarily 
heroic efforts, last month, which saved the lives of the 112 residents 
of the Lake County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

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