[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATT CUNNINGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2005

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, on December 3, 2005 at the annual Firefighter 
Holiday Dance & Awards in Anderson, Indiana, firefighter Matt 
Cunningham was named Anderson's Firefighter of the Year. Mr. 
Cunningham, thirty years old and a lifelong resident of Anderson, was 
honored with this award because of his dedicated service to the 
community and outstanding record within the Anderson Fire Department 
and Engine Co. 6. The award, a medallion for his dress uniform, was 
presented by the Evening Exchange Club of Anderson.
  Mr. Cunningham exemplifies all that is good with this Nation's local 
first responders. During this year alone, Mr. Cunningham has assisted 
with or single-handedly pulled four individuals from burning 
structures. His courage, selflessness and devotion are to be commended 
and serve as an example to us all.
  Only in his third-year of firefighting, Mr. Cunningham clearly has 
found his calling. At the awards ceremony he stated that firefighting 
``was something I stumbled into and I'm elated I did.'' He continued, 
``I love being in Anderson. I love it. The fire department in Anderson 
stays busy.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is wonderful to hear such enthusiasm. Matt Cunningham 
serves his community as a firefighter of the highest caliber, and I am 
proud today to honor and recognize him for being named Firefighter of 
the Year in Anderson, Indiana.

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