[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF SERGEANT JOSEPH MATTEONI AND 
 FIREFIGHTERS GARY DUNNE AND JEFF JOHNSTON DURING THE 309 MILL STREET 
                   APARTMENT FIRE OF AUGUST 30, 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TOM McCLINTOCK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic 
actions of Sergeant Joseph Matteoni of the Grass Valley Police 
Department and Firefighters Gary Dunne and Jeff Johnston of the Grass 
Valley Fire Department, Engine 1, during the 309 Mill Street Apartment 
Fire.
   On the morning of August 30, 2009, fire and police units were 
dispatched to an apartment building fire at 309 Mill Street in Grass 
Valley, California. Upon arriving at the scene of the fire, responders 
were informed by local citizens that residents were trapped inside the 
building.
   Sergeant Matteoni heard faint cries for help emanating from the 
backside of the second story of the building. Without hesitation, and 
disregarding his own personal safety, Sergeant Matteoni rushed into the 
smoke-filled building. Battling extreme heat and smoke, Sergeant 
Matteoni carried a woman out of the building and with the assistance of 
Officer Dan Kimbrough, moved her to safety.
   Meanwhile, Firefighters Dunne and Johnston entered from the front of 
the building. Forced to crawl on their bellies because of the thick 
smoke and extreme heat, the firefighters pushed through the burning 
building toward cries for help, finding a second woman standing 
disoriented in the hallway. As they approached, the woman retreated 
further into her smoke-filled apartment where she collapsed. Pushing 
into the apartment, Firefighters Dunne and Johnston carried the woman 
out of the building and to safety.
   The brave actions of Sergeant Joseph Matteoni and Firefighters Gary 
Dunne and Jeff Johnston are a testament to the finest traditions of the 
Grass Valley Police and Fire Departments. It is my honor to recognize 
and thank them for their commitment to going well above and beyond the 
call of duty in service to our community.

                          ____________________