[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING TOM PROUD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise today and tell you a 
story about a man who has gone to great lengths to help another. In the 
face of a storm, Tom Proud is definitely someone to have around.
  Tom, a Pueblo County Sheriff's Deputy, was on his way to Denver when 
he saw a car slide on ice and land in the ditch. He claims that he did 
nothing more than the average citizen when he pulled over to offer 
assistance. Tom saw that a woman was stranded with children and went 
out of his way to make sure that they were safe and back on their way.
  Miles from any town, Tom drove to a tire station to have the flat 
tire repaired and then drove back to the car to put in on the car. Tom 
was so dedicated to making certain Mrs. Martinez, the woman who was 
stranded, and the children were safe that he put his own plans on hold.
  Mrs. Martinez was so overwhelmed with gratitude that a simple thank 
you was not enough. She wrote a letter to a Pueblo County Commissioner 
telling the story of selfless valor displayed by the off-duty peace 
officer. She told the Commissioner that without Tom's help, they would 
not have been able to be in Denver before one of their family members 
went into surgery. Mrs. Martinez counts all of Pueblo lucky to have Tom 
among its citizens.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I offer tribute to Tom Proud. He 
has gone above and beyond the call of duty and deserves our thanks and 
praise.

                          ____________________