[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 96 (Monday, June 25, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO YOUNG COLORADANS

 Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, today I wish to honor two young 
heroes from Colorado who received 9-1-1 for Kids' Medal of Honor this 
week. The medal is bestowed upon young people who distinguish 
themselves by calling 911 in an emergency and help to save someone's 
life or report a crime. An award is also presented to the dispatcher 
who processed the call and provided the appropriate emergency response.
  Last year, 7-year-old Alisha Fetz and 12-year-old Matthew Diaz, both 
of Thornton, each found themselves in difficult situations in which 
they needed to protect their family members.
  Alisha called 911 on June 1, 2011 when her mother was having 
difficulty breathing. Alisha answered dispatcher Ashley Bettschen's 
questions clearly and calmly, even providing her mother's cell phone 
number and information on her mother's medical condition. Following all 
of dispatcher Bettschen's instructions, Alisha ensured that her mother 
was treated quickly and efficiently.
  On August 15, 2011, Matthew called 911 while his house was being 
burglarized. He locked himself and his younger sister in a bathroom and 
managed to whisper answers to Dispatcher Rhonda Halsey in a calm and 
clear manner. Because of his great descriptions of both the burglars 
and their vehicle, the suspects were apprehended only minutes later. 
The burglars were both prior convicted felons, and several other open 
cases were cleared because of Matthew's call.
  Both of these kids knew exactly what to do. They didn't panic, and 
they helped ensure the safety of their family members through their 
actions. They and the dispatchers who helped them serve as a great 
example of how important it is for kids to know what to do when trouble 
arises.
  The organization, 9-1-1 for Kids, is working to ensure that kids of 
all ages understand the importance and proper use of 911. It does so by 
raising awareness through conferences, media outreach, training 
activities, school events, and by highlighting the stories of kids like 
Alisha and Matthew.
  I join all Coloradans in offering our gratitude to dispatchers Ashley 
Bettschen and Rhonda Halsey for their service to their communities and 
congratulating Alisha and Matthew for this award as well as their 
bravery and ability to remain calm in the face of an emergency.

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