[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MEMBERS OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the heroic efforts of four members of eastern 
Connecticut's community: Robert Butler, John Roberts, and Shelly and 
Greg Erb. These individuals' selfless and quick, smart actions saved 
the lives of two kayakers from the frigid waters of the Noank River. On 
Friday, February 7, 2008, Robert Butler and John Roberts will be 
presented with a Meritorious Public Service Award by Rear Admiral 
Timothy Sullivan and Captain Dan Ronan. Shelly and Greg Erb will be 
presented with a Certificate of Merit.
  On January 30, 2008, Shelly Erb was driving to her home in Noank, 
Connecticut, when she spotted a stranded kayaker on the bank of the 
Noank River. Once home, she immediately notified her husband, Greg Erb 
who called 911 and the Noank Village Boatyard. Shelly and Greg's quick, 
decisive actions to notify both emergency responders and the Noank 
Village Boatyard would ultimately prove to save both kayakers' lives.
  Employees of the Noank Village Boatyard, Robert Butler and John 
Roberts received the call from Mr. Erb. The waters were near freezing, 
and understanding that prolonged exposure posed serious life-
threatening risks, the men immediately launched a boat to find the 
kayakers. Soon after, Robert and John were able to locate the kayakers, 
one of whom remained in the water, nearly unconscious. Robert and John 
rescued the kayaker from the water and helped both to a waiting 
ambulance. Both kayakers survived.
  The events that unfolded on January 30 could have very possibly ended 
in tragedy. Instead, our community witnessed the very best of its 
neighbors. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in 
recognizing and saluting the heroic efforts of Robert Butler, John 
Roberts, and Shelly and Greg Erb.

                          ____________________