[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           A TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA STAFF OF ONALASKA, WISCONSIN

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 1999

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Patricia Staff, 
a true hometown hero from Wisconsin.
  Last month, Patricia Staff, who is a resident of my district, took 
action that potentially saved the life of a young student. Patricia is 
a school crossing guard in Onalaska, Wisconsin. On Friday, January 8, 
she was working at her usual crossing location at Quincy Street and 
Sand Lake Road in Onalaska. While helping students cross this busy 
intersection, she noticed a car swerving through traffic with no 
intention of stopping. Patricia quickly grabbed a young boy crossing 
the intersection and pulled him out of harms way. According to the 
police, Patricia's actions saved the child from certain injury and 
possibly death.
  Every day, throughout our nation, dedicated men and women serve our 
country as school crossing guards. It is easy to overlook their work. 
The job they do, however, is vital to the millions of students who walk 
to school each day. Crossing guards assist students at busy 
intersections, they keep an eye out for strangers who may threaten 
children, they provide parents with the security of knowing their 
children are safe, and often they become good friends to the students. 
School crossing guards are essential to the safety and well-being of 
our children.
  Patricia Staff is a tribute to the people of western Wisconsin and 
all crossing guards. Patricia Staff put the protection of those 
children going to school above all other concerns, and because of that 
she potentially saved a life. I rise today to commend Patricia Staff 
for her work, thank her for dedication to her community, and praise her 
as a true hero.

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