[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GENE KRIGSVOLD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 1999

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a local hero 
from western Wisconsin. I want to honor Gene Krigsvold who took 
courageous action to aid another citizen.
  For the past three years the Eau Claire Fire Fighters Local Union 
487, in conjunction with the Eau Claire Fire Department, have 
recognized area residents who acted bravely in emergency situations. 
The recipients of the Citizen Community Involvement Awards are citizens 
who put the safety and well being of their neighbors ahead of other 
concerns in a time of need.
  Gene Krigsvold is one of those extraordinary citizens. On June 13, 
1998 The Navy Blue Angels sponsored The Upward 98 Air Show at the 
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Thousands of 
people throughout Wisconsin came to participate in the festivities. 
Spectators were everywhere, watching the show from the streets, the air 
and the Chippewa River. Late in the afternoon a swimmer in the Chippewa 
River was struck by a boat. Gene Krigsvold, who had been boating on the 
river was there to assist the Eau Claire Fire and Rescue teams during 
the search for the missing swimmer. Without hesitation he offered his 
pontoon boat, which provided them with a diving platform. He was also 
able to provide them with knowledge of the river currents, having grown 
up on the lake. Gene and the rescue team members worked late into the 
day. Gene's efforts greatly contributed in the search for the missing 
swimmer.
  On behalf of all the citizens of western Wisconsin I ask that the 
United States House of Representatives recognize Gene Krigsvold for his 
courage and thank him for being a concerned and giving community 
citizen.

                          ____________________