[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO STEPHANIE MUELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today 
to honor an outstanding citizen and a community hero. Stephanie Mueller 
of Pagosa Springs, Colorado showed quick thinking and level-headedness 
in the face of personal danger and helped to prevent a catastrophic 
forest fire. I am honored to share her story here today.
  Stephanie was traveling in Archuleta county when she noticed a fire 
in the trees. Unable to contact local authorities immediately, 
Stephanie took her shovel and began digging a fire line around the burn 
area. As others arrived at the site, Stephanie was able to use the 
skills she learned as part of a Forest Service hand crew to instruct 
onlookers as to what they could do to help her keep the fire contained 
until Archuleta Country firefighters arrived and extinguished the 
blaze.
  This is the second time Stephanie has saved her community from a 
devastating fire. Three years ago Stephanie encountered another fire 
while driving in the Coyote Park area, which she helped to extinguish. 
For her efforts in that fire, Stephanie received the much-deserved 
Angel of the Highway award.
  Mr. Speaker, Stephanie Mueller's courage is an inspiration to us all. 
As ashes fell on her head and shoulders, Stephanie sacrificed her own 
personal safety for the good of her community. I join with my 
colleagues and a grateful community in extending my thanks and 
appreciation to Stephanie Mueller.

                          ____________________