[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO DAYNA LYNN AHERN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and memory of my 
friend Dayna Lynn Ahern, whose passion for life was an inspiration.
  Dayna was a native of Las Vegas who was a student of fashion 
merchandising at the Fashion Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to 
enrolling in the Fashion Institute, Dayna had earned an Associates 
Degree from the prestigious Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in 
Las Vegas.
  Among Dayna's many passions was traveling and music. These dual 
talents provided her with a number of unique opportunities, such as 
performing for the Pope at the Vatican and traveling with her high 
school choir to perform at various locals in Europe. Dayna was also an 
active member of her Church, and had a strong sense of spirituality.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend 
Dayna. On March 30, 2006, Dayna passed away but her enthusiasm and 
passion for life will serve as an inspiration for all who knew her. She 
will be greatly missed, but her legacy as a caring and motivated 
individual will live on.

  RECOGNIZING CHARLES CITY, IOWA POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATOR TODD 
            SMITH AND MASON CITY POLICE OFFICER STEVE KLEMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles City, 
Iowa Police Department Investigator Todd Smith and Mason City Police 
Officer Steve Klemas 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.
   On June 18, 2007, Officer Klemas and Investigator Smith responded to 
a request by the Wright County sheriff to assist in an armed stand-off 
that occurred after the office attempted to serve a committal order on 
an individual. After failed negotiations, two rounds of tear gas, and a 
five-hour stand-off, Officer Klemas and Investigator Smith led a team 
of eight into the house. Investigator Smith served as the shield 
person, and was shot at three times as Officer Klemas fired on the 
individual to subdue him and take him into custody.
   Investigator Smith and Officer Klemas' 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 the safety of our fellow citizens. For this I offer them my utmost 
congratulations and thanks.
   I commend Officer Steve Klemas and Investigator Todd Smith for their 
bravery. I am honored to represent them in Congress and I wish them the 
best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________