[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     THE PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2003 MERIT VALOR AWARD 
                               RECIPIENTS

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                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, every year, the Prince 
William Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals who have 
courageously demonstrated selfless dedication to public safety. These 
outstanding men and women have played an important role in building a 
better community. This hard work and determination has earned several 
citizens of Prince William County the highest honor bestowed upon 
county public safety officials--The Merit Valor Award.
  The Merit Award recognizes public service officials for acts 
involving personal risk. The award may also be presented to those who 
demonstrate judgment, zeal, or ingenuity above what is non-nally 
expected in the performance of duty.
  It is with great honor that I enter into the record the names of the 
2003 Merit Award recipients. Prince William County Police Department: 
Police Officer Second Class R.A. Arce; Police Officer Second Class R.W. 
Minnick; Police Officer Second Class B.K. Oxendine; Sr. First Sergeant 
J.B. Wheeler; Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue: 
Technician II Michelle Butler; Technician I Scott Calder; Technician II 
Stephen Horvath; Technician I Landon Timbers, Jr.; Virginia State 
Police: Trooper Darrel D. Estess; Senior Trooper Mark C. Wilkinson; 
USMC: Corporal Amber V. Kephart; Prince William County Office of the 
Sheriff: Deputy Sheriff Heath Stearns; OWL Volunteer Fire Department: 
EMT Robert W. Warner. The service they provide to the community is 
tremendous and is deserving of such acclaim.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to 
thank all the men and women who serve Prince William County. The events 
of September 11th, served as a reminder of the sacrifices our emergency 
service workers make for us every day. Their constant efforts on behalf 
of Prince William County citizens are paramount to preserving security, 
law, and order throughout our neighborhoods; and their individual and 
collective acts of heroism deserve our highest praise. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in congratulating these outstanding individuals.




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