[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO TONY HESS

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                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and 
heroism of Tony Hess. A 23-year-old volunteer firefighter from Kanawha 
County West Virginia, Hess raced into a burning house last month to 
save the life of two year old Alyssa Abner.
  Hess didn't plan on being a hero on November 23. A business major at 
West Virginia State University, he was just answering an early morning 
emergency call; but when he arrived first on the scene he headed 
directly to a second story bedroom. The smoke was so dense that he had 
to break a window in order to find Alyssa trapped inside.
  After rescuing her from the fire, Tony rode with her all the way to 
the hospital. I am happy to report that little Alyssa is in an 
improving condition at a Cincinnati hospital.
  Madam Speaker, I join the chorus of West Virginians thankful for 
Tony's courage and service. Volunteer firefighters are true heroes who 
sacrifice for the right reasons. In Tony's own words, ``I'm not doing 
it for the publicity or lights or sirens,'' he said. ``I just want to 
be a fireman.''

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