[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO OFFICER ELSON ``SKIP'' EHRHARDT

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recent 
heroic action of Eldora, Iowa Police Officer Elson ``Skip'' Ehrhardt.
   On March 5, 2008 at 12:48 a.m., while Officer Ehrhardt was on 
patrol, he received an emergency page indicating that a woman was in 
active labor a half block away in the Merritt Mobile Home Court. When 
Officer Ehrhardt arrived on the scene, he had to urge a hesitant woman 
to leave the bathroom where she had begun to go into labor. When she 
eventually came out, Ehrhardt realized that her water had broken and 
that there was no time to get her medical assistance. He noticed that 
the baby's head was on its way out, and about a minute later, at 12:57 
a.m., Officer Ehrhardt had the baby in his arms. He then quickly 
unwrapped the umbilical cord and rubbed the baby vigorously until the 
baby began to cry, just as an ambulance arrived with paramedics.
   Officer Ehrhardt's alertness and decisive decision making in such a 
critical situation goes above and beyond what we are asked of as 
citizens of this country. His courage illustrates the compassion of 
Iowans; willing to do whatever it takes for a neighbor in need. I know 
my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating 
Officer Ehrhardt on a job well done. It is an honor to represent such a 
compassionate Iowan in Congress, and I wish Officer Ehrhardt the best 
in his future endeavors.

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