[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING AUSTIN TOXEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
a young hero in my Fifth Congressional District of Florida. Throughout 
our current situation in Iraq and our continued War on Terror we have 
had occasion to honor many heroes. Today I want to take the time to 
honor a very special young man who, just like our troops overseas, 
acted bravely and selflessly to protect the safety of another person.
  This summer while playing outside with friends, Austin Toxen, a 
fifth-grader at Forest Ridge Elementary School in Citrus County, 
noticed smoke coming from his neighbor's home. Acting quickly and 
keenly, Austin ran into his own home, grabbed a fire extinguisher, 
asked his mother to call 911, and ran into his neighbor's home to help 
put out the blaze.
  The fire, which started in the home's kitchen, would have almost 
certainly quickly spread throughout the entire structure had it not 
been for Austin's swift intervention. Austin was able to help contain 
the fire to the kitchen saving the home from burning entirely. The 
owner, Janeen Hall, has called Austin a hero and credits him with 
saving her home.
  According to friends and family, Austin has remained very humble 
about his bravery. Though many have marveled at the fact that he had 
the composure to act so heroically, he says he just did the right 
thing.
  We all know that Austin's actions truly are worthy of praise and so 
Mr. Speaker I ask you and my colleagues to join with me in honoring 
Austin Toxen today. He truly is a brave young man and a fine example of 
courage and selflessness.

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