[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E691-E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO BOB DYER AND HIS BRAVE ACT OF HEROISM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2000

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on April 21, 2000, a powerful natural gas 
explosion rocked a home in the Village of Justice, a southwest suburb 
of Chicago at 4:00 a.m. In a matter of seconds, the home of two 
distinguished senior citizens became engulfed in a blazing fire.
  Luckily, their new next-door neighbor, ``Bobby'' Dyer, was quickly 
awakened by the loud concussion. Barefoot, Dyer rushed to the scene to 
see his neighbors trapped in their rapidly disintegrating house. 
Blocking their exit was a pile of debris from the former eave over the 
front door. Heroically, Dyer pushed aside the heavy aluminum/wood 
roofing material and helped the couple through their heavily damaged 
front door frame. After dialing 911, he supplied his neighbors with 
initial first aid and clothing.
  By virtually all accounts, Bob Dyer's actions thankfully saved the 
lives of his two neighbors. Valentine and Eileen Michalowski received 
second and third degree burns, as well as heavy smoke inhalation. 
However, I understand that they will fully recover from their serious 
injuries.

[[Page E692]]

  I was pleased to hear that the Village of Justice will hold its first 
ever Saturday board meeting, where May 21-27, 2000 will be 
appropriately named ``Bobby Dyer'' week. Mr. Speaker, I strongly echo 
the congratulations of the Village of Justice and I thank Mr. Dyer for 
his immediate contributions to the 3d Congressional District of 
Illinois.

                          ____________________