[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF RICK DANIELS FOR HIS EFFORTS TO 
                    SAVE THE LIFE OF SAVANNA ZIRBEL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DEBORAH L. HALVORSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2009

  Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, Rick Daniels of Kankakee, Illinois 
would tell you he is not a hero, but on Friday, July 3, 2009, he did 
something heroic.
  Rick Daniels conducts himself not unlike the many great citizens of 
Illinois' 11th Congressional District. He is a normal guy. On July 3rd, 
he saw a neighbor in trouble. Although he is not a trained paramedic, 
he saw that 20-month old Savanna Zirbel was seriously injured from a 
mowing accident and sprang to action. Rick Daniels administered 
lifesaving first aid until paramedics arrived.
  Some in this situation may have been scared to help, but Rick did not 
hesitate to assist. He focused on what might have happened if he had 
chosen to simply be an observer. The consequences were life and death. 
Savanna Zirbel is alive because of Rick Daniel rose to the occasion.
  America's history has been one of ordinary individuals doing 
extraordinary things. Rick Daniels reminds us that we are capable of 
doing heroic things. On behalf of the entire 11th Congressional 
District, we thank Rick Daniels for his amazing efforts.

                          ____________________