[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 2013 RECIPIENTS OF THE OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALUMNI 
                 ASSOCIATION OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, the Owens Community College Alumni 
Association takes great pride in its annual Outstanding Service Awards 
celebration, now in its tenth year. The awards honor the selfless 
contributions of area police, fire, and emergency medical service 
professionals to our communities. I wanted to share the inspiring 
stories of two of my constituents who will be recognized at this year's 
ceremony.
   Last April, A.J. Green of Gibsonburg was a passenger on a bus 
traveling on the Ohio Turnpike. The bus collided with another vehicle 
that had been involved in a multi-vehicle accident. It was subsequently 
hit by another vehicle unable to stop due to dark, rainy conditions. 
The bus driver was knocked unconscious and was trapped behind the 
steering wheel, which was rendered inoperable by the wreck. Together 
with another passenger, A.J., who serves with the Lindsey Volunteer 
Fire Department, took control of the bus and shut off the engine. He 
then guided the passengers to safety at a nearby travel plaza where 
they were attended by emergency personnel.
   A.J. has since coordinated a bus safety training day for area 
police, fire, and other emergency responders, turning this catastrophe 
into a learning experience. The association is presenting him with the 
2013 Outstanding Firefighter Award for his exceptional efforts.
   Keith Loreno, fire chief for the City of Fostoria, will be presented 
with the 2013 Outstanding Service to Community Award. Chief Loreno's 
three-decade career began with the Perkins Township Fire Department, 
where he served as a firefighter/emergency medical technician. Since 
then, he has worked as a corrections officer, a deputy sheriff, a top 
official with the Division of the State Fire Marshal, and as owner of 
an ambulance service.
   Keith's devotion to volunteerism is an example to all who know him. 
A United Way board trustee, he has worked to ensure successful 
fundraising campaigns to aid vital community organizations. He also 
spearheads an annual clothing drive campaign and coordinates smoke-
detector giveaway programs. His dedication to civic duty is further 
shown in his work with local students: Chief Loreno runs a Safety Town 
program for preschool children and coordinates mock-crash events to 
teach teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
   Mr. Speaker, this year's Outstanding Service Awards celebration will 
be held on Friday, April 26. I appreciate the opportunity to join the 
Owens Community College Alumni Association in recognizing the ongoing 
commitment and sacrifices of these first responders.

                          ____________________