[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO RECIPIENTS OF THE SULLIVAN BROTHERS' AWARD OF VALOR

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2007

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three members of 
the Decorah, Iowa Police Department, Chief Tom Courtney, Captain Warren 
Leeps, and Officer Sara Stinson, and Volunteer Decorah Firefighter Jeff 
Ode, as recipients of The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor for saving 
another's life by risking their own.
  The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor Program was established in 1977 
to recognize peace officers and firefighters, who while serving in an 
official capacity, distinguished themselves by performing a heroic act 
while fully aware of a threat to his/her personal safety. The strict 
nomination process includes background investigations, and the final 
determination is made by the Governor of Iowa.
  In January of 2007, Olive Sims crashed her car into a ditch along 
Division Street in Decorah. Chief Courtney, Captain Leeps, Officer 
Stinson and Volunteer Firefighter Ode responded to the report and 
quickly traveled to the scene. Upon their arrival, they discovered the 
engine compartment of the vehicle was engulfed in flames and that Olive 
was still inside. Putting their own lives in danger, they acted quickly 
to remove Olive from the vehicle before the fire department arrived and 
just before the passenger compartment of the car was fully consumed by 
fire.
  Their bravery goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens 
of this country. Their courage illustrates the compassion of Iowans 
willing to risk their own lives for a neighbor in need. For this I 
offer them my utmost congratulations and thanks.
  I commend Chief Tom Courtney, Captain Warren Leeps, Officer Sara 
Stinson and Volunteer Firefighter Jeff Ode for their bravery. I am 
honored to represent each of them in Congress and I wish them the best 
in their future endeavors.

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