[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO PATRICK W. MOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2006

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in paying tribute to the courageous actions of Mr. Patrick W. Mott of 
Rathdrum, Idaho.
  On February 27, 2005, Henry W. Scheller was ice fishing on North 
Idaho's Lower Twin Lake approximately 700 feet from the closest bank. 
Mr. Scheller did not realize he was on weak ice, and he fell through, 
plunging into the frigid lake. Unable to pull himself from the water, 
he began calling out for help. His calls were heard by Patrick Mott, a 
65-year-old retired logger, who was working outside his lakeside home.
  As his wife called for help, Mr. Mott quickly gathered a metal dinghy 
and rope and set out on the ice to rescue the struggling Scheller. 
About 10 feet from Scheller the ice around Mott collapsed and he too 
fell into the water. Mott's attempts to pull himself out were 
unsuccessful, but firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after and 
were able to rescue Mott, then Scheller from the water.
  Mr. Mott returned to the bank unaided, and was uninjured. Scheller 
received medical attention after being safely taken to shore. Although 
Mr. Mott did not successfully rescue Scheller, his selfless actions are 
a lesson to us all. Without hesitation, Mr. Mott put himself in harm's 
way to come to the aid of a perfect stranger.
  For his heroic actions, Patrick Mott was awarded the Carnegie Medal, 
given to those who risk their lives while saving or attempting to save 
the lives of others.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing the actions of Patrick Mott. May his 
selflessness be an example we can follow in our own lives.

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