[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING APPLETON FIREFIGHTERS CAPT. RICK JAMES, CAPT. MIKE WOODZICKA, 
                      DOUG VRECHEK AND MIKE BECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE KAGEN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to 
Appleton firefighters Capt. Rick James, Capt. Mike Woodzicka, Doug 
Vrechek and Mike Becker, as they are inducted into the Wisconsin Fire 
and Police Hall of Fame for saving the lives of four young children. As 
friends, family and colleagues gather to pay tribute to their courage 
and bravery, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these 
outstanding individuals.
  On December 29, 2007, Capt. Rick James, Capt. Mike Woodzicka, Doug 
Vrechek and Mike Becker valiantly rescued four children from a burning 
house in my hometown of Appleton, WI. The children, who were all under 
the age of seven and included 15-month-old twins, were trapped in the 
house, unable to escape. The firefighters acted swiftly and heroically, 
rescuing the children within four minutes of arriving at the scene.
  In recognition of this courageous act, the firefighters were inducted 
into the State of Wisconsin Fire and Police Hall of Fame on September 
10, 2010. The Hall of Fame recognizes firefighters and police officers 
in Wisconsin who have performed a heroic act, been an innovator in 
advancing the productivity or safety of services, or who have provided 
exceptional community service.
  Madam Speaker, without questions, the service of Capt. Rick James, 
Capt. Mike Woodzicka, Doug Vrechek and Mike Becker has been selfless 
and exemplary, and their induction into the Wisconsin Fire and Police 
Hall of Fame is very well-deserved. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
saluting these truly heroic members of our community.

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