[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DEREK VITALE

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Madam President, today I show my 
support for Derek Vitale of Chester, NH. His heroic actions saved the 
lives of numerous Farmington, NH residents, including the life of a 
helpless baby. He put his own life on the line to rescue others from a 
burning building.
  In August of 2001, Derek was on his way to a fishing trip with his 
friend Anthony Tripari, when they noticed smoke from a burning 
apartment building. It was about three o'clock in the morning, so Derek 
honked the horn of his car in an attempt to wake up all the residents 
in the building and alert them to the fire.
  As the residents vacated, it was reported that a baby was trapped on 
the second floor. Derek sprinted into the flaming building, covering 
his mouth with only the collar of his shirt and found the baby. Derek 
carried the baby to safety and simultaneously knocked on the doors of 
every apartment to make sure the building was vacated.
  I commend the altruistic acts of Derek Vitale. It take true courage 
to put somebody else's life above one's own. I am confident that as 
long as we have people like Derek Vitale, our Nation will continue to 
be strong. New Hampshire is proud to have such a dedicated citizen. It 
is an honor to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

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