[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO RODNEY J. MEDEIROS, MICHAEL E. WIELICZKO AND KEVIN E. GOODE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, we all have heroes in our lives. Whether 
it's a figure from history such as Winston Churchill or a sports star 
such as Michael Jordan, as a society we admire these people for their 
accomplishments. But in our own communities, there also are heroes, 
whose efforts should not go unnoticed.
  Corry Patrolman Rodney J. Medeiros, Corporal Michael E. Wieliczko and 
Patrolman Kevin E. Goode are indeed heroes. In this Erie County hamlet 
and beyond, they are the people who risk their safety to ensure ours.
  Responding to what was suspected to be a hostile situation, the three 
men, who have more than 29 years of service between them, arrived to 
find an apartment building engulfed in flames. Hearing the desperate 
cries of frightened children trapped inside, they kicked in a door to 
help two teen-agers.
  Learning that two more children--just 1 and 3 years old--remained 
trapped inside, they again re-entered the flames and smoke to locate 
and rescue the toddlers. Fearing that more people may be trapped inside 
the blaze, the men entered the building for a third time until the 
intensity of the fire forced them out, just as the stairwell was about 
to collapse, which would've trapped our heroes.
  These men acted out of not only instinct but out of compassion for 
others. Webster's Dictionary defines a hero as ``one that shows great 
courage or an object of extreme admiration and devotion; an idol.'' It 
also says they are ``legendary figures endowed with a great ability and 
strength.'' Gentlemen, you are legends.
  Mr. Speaker, our community recognizes their courage and the 
sacrifices these men were willing to make in protecting the lives of 
others. I was honored to attend a ceremony where Mr. Medeiros was 
presented with the Medal of Honor while Mr. Wieliczko and Mr. Goode 
were presented with Medals of Valor.
  These men care enough about their community to dedicate their lives 
to helping others. I applaud their heroism and dedication. And I join 
the City of Corry in saying thank you.

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