[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO FRED CORTESE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Fred Cortese and thank him for his extraordinary 
contributions to his community and to his state. As a resident of 
Pueblo County, Colorado, Fred has dedicated himself to helping his 
community through his work as a law enforcement officer with the Pueblo 
County Sheriff's Office. It is with pride that I pay tribute to Fred 
today for the tremendous accomplishments for which he is being 
recognized by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Department with the Medal of 
Valor for saving the lives of two men, asleep as their home burned 
around them.
  On February 22nd of this year, Fred and another officer, Jonathan 
Post, arrived at the scene of a house fire. Believing people to be 
trapped inside, they entered the burning building at great risk to 
their own lives. Inside, they found two men asleep, unaware of the 
imminent danger threatening them. Fred and Jonathan successfully 
persuaded the two residents to leave their burning home through a 
window, until one of them disregarded orders and reentered the house, 
necessitating another dangerous rescue. Fred then assisted Jonathan, 
who was suffering from smoke inhalation, out of the building.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Fred Cortese upon 
the receipt of the Medal of Valor from the Pueblo County Sheriff's 
Department. Fred's courage and selflessness serve as an inspiration to 
the citizens of Colorado, his peers and his country. With men like Fred 
in the Pueblo County Sheriff's Department, the citizens of Pueblo 
County can rest assured that their lives are and their neighborhoods 
are well protected. Congratulations, Fred, and good luck.

                          ____________________