[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO TOM SHARP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Tom Sharp, a helicopter pilot from Telluride, Colorado and 
thank him for the contributions he has made to local search and rescue 
efforts. Tom recently risked his life and his helicopter to save two 
avalanche victims trapped on a steep slope near Telluride Ski Area, and 
today I would like to honor his service before this body of Congress 
and this nation.
  Tom has been a pilot with Helitrax, a heli-ski guide service, for 
over twelve years. When he was called to assist in the rescue of two 
skiers caught in an avalanche, he immediately responded along with two 
Helitrax guides, braving a dangerous landing near one of the injured 
skiers before picking up more rescuers and dropping off more medical 
supplies. Then Tom made a daring attempt to reach the other skier, 
flying close to dangerous jagged rock in spite of unpredictable 
afternoon winds. Though he was unsuccessful, Tom and his fellow 
rescuers dropped supplies to the stranded skier that allowed him to 
climb out of the couloir and communicate with rescuers.
  Mr. Speaker, pilots with the expertise and skill of Tom Sharp are 
crucial to successful search and rescue operations, and it is a great 
privilege to honor Tom here today. His years of experience and his 
willingness to take risks are a tremendous asset to the citizens of 
Telluride and to all of Colorado.

                          ____________________