[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 132 (Thursday, September 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1560-E1561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING OFFICER GARY CONKLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave public servant 
Officer Gary Conklin of the Linden Police Department.
  Recently, tragedy struck the town of Fenton when two contractors fell 
twenty feet into a sewer filled with methane gas. One of the 
contractors was killed in the accident and the other severely injured. 
If it were not for the bravery of Officer Conklin there would be two 
families grieving the loss of a loved one.
  Upon arriving at the scene Officer Conklin saw the two men laying 
face down in two feet of water. Knowing the risk the gas posed Officer 
Conklin obtained a respiratory device from his vehicle. The device was 
not made for these types of toxic situations but he knew it was better 
than nothing. Putting himself in harm's way he entered the sewer and 
began working to stabilize the men.
  He was able to prop the survivor Joseph Flipansick up on the side of 
the sewer. A civilian entered the sewer to assist and the two of them 
were able to roll the other victim over so he did not drown. After 
moving the men Officer Conklin felt his time running out and exited the 
sewer ordering the civilian out as well.
  When Linden Police Chief, Scott Sutter asked Officer Conklin why he 
entered the sewer Officer Conklin responded simply ``that's what I 
signed up for.'' Because of Officer Conklin's selfless act of courage 
and bravery Joseph Flipansick is alive.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sympathies to the family that 
lost their loved one that day. I would also like to thank Officer 
Conklin for acting with such brazen courage. He embodies what it means 
to be a public servant and his commitment to ``protect and serve'' is 
inspiring to all.

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