[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 22, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H182-H183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TROOPERS JAY FERLAND AND PHILIP 
                                 BATTEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Griffith) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise and submit remarks in

[[Page H183]]

honor of Virginia State Trooper Jay Ferland, a devoted public servant, 
who along with Trooper Philip Battel saved a family of three from a 
house fire in Saltville, Virginia.
  When I first learned of their bravery, news reports failed to mention 
Trooper Ferland's involvement. On January 2, I spoke of this incident 
and only mentioned Trooper Battel. However, both men are deserving of 
our recognition.
  To recap, in the early hours of Friday, December 28, 2012, Trooper 
Ferland and Trooper Battel were in search of a stolen car that had been 
involved in an earlier police chase when they noticed off in the 
distance an orange hue. They decided to investigate. When they reached 
the area in question, much to their surprise, Troopers Ferland and 
Battel saw a home engulfed in flames. They banged on the door, but when 
there was no answer, they made the selfless decision to enter the home 
and investigate.
  Their actions in the house awoke its three residents who had no idea 
that their home was burning down around them, leading to their ultimate 
escape from the burning house and from the fire. Because of their 
bravery, the family was saved, and all are in good health. Their lives 
were saved, and the lives of two of their pets were also saved. The 
heroic actions of Trooper Ferland and Trooper Battel in service to the 
community are to be commended, and I am honored to be here today to pay 
tribute to them.
  Please join me in thanking Trooper Jay Ferland and Trooper Philip 
Battel for all they have done for the people of southwest Virginia. The 
Virginia State Police, as my experience has shown over the years, 
always respond in fine fashion and rise to the occasion. Trooper 
Ferland and Trooper Battel are among just two of the many law 
enforcement officers to note in the long and proud history of the 
Virginia State Police.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the Virginia State Police, Trooper 
Ferland, Trooper Battel, and the good work and heroism of all the 
officers in the Virginia State Police.

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