[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO DEPUTY JEFF WILLIAMS AND OFFICER MICHAEL KETTERER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, on August 18, 2007, Placer County 
Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Williams and California Highway Patrol Officer 
Michael Ketterer responded to the call of a woman who was about to 
commit suicide. The woman planned to jump from the Foresthill Bridge, 
which at 730 feet tall is the third highest bridge in the country.
  Upon arrival, Deputy Williams and Officer Ketterer were met by Mr. 
Michael Owens, who was attempting to calm the woman until help arrived. 
When the officers approached the woman, they realized she had climbed 
over the rail of the bridge and was hanging by her hands while her feet 
dangled beneath her. Exhibiting extraordinary bravery, Deputy Williams 
reached through the rail and grabbed the woman's left arm while the two 
other men assisted in attempting to pull the woman to safety. In doing 
so, all three men risked their own lives by leaning over the side of 
the bridge safety rail in order to rescue the woman from certain harm.
  I would like to commend Deputy Jeff Williams for his heroic efforts. 
A graduate of Sierra College who currently resides in Roseville, CA 
with his wife Maria, Deputy Williams is an asset to his community and 
deserves to be praised for his selflessness and bravery.

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