[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E63]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DEPUTY CURTIS CEPHAS FOR RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF VALOR

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Deputy Curtis Cephas of the Escambia County Sheriff's Department upon 
receiving the Medal of Valor, the department's highest honor. Deputy 
Cephas risked his life in service to the community, and I am proud to 
recognize his selfless act of heroism.
  On July 3, 2009, while off-duty, Deputy Cephas was informed by a 
local citizen that a nearby house was on fire. Deputy Cephas ran to the 
house, noticed smoke pouring from inside, and began searching the home 
to determine if anyone was inside. After discovering that the home's 
occupant was inside and unable to escape the fire, Deputy Cephas 
proceeded to enter the burning house and found the resident inside and 
immobile. He succeeded in pulling the man outside and safely away from 
the fire.
  For his courage and bravery at extreme risk to his own life, Deputy 
Cephas is being awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest award of the 
Escambia County Sheriff's Department.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize Deputy Curtis Cephas for going above and beyond 
the call of duty. He is a hero to the community and a true public 
servant. My wife Vicki and I wish Deputy Cephas and his family all the 
best for the future.

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