[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE COURAGEOUS ACTIONS OF SIX INDIVIDUALS

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                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous actions 
of four young individuals, and two members of the Aurora Police 
Department, Sergeants Dan Eppard and Rick Ahlgren. With great valor and 
heroism, all six individuals, including Sergeants Eppard and Ahlgren 
risked their lives to save those of others who were trapped in a dam 
while rafting on the Vermillion River near Oglesby, Illinois.
  On June 28, 2013, a 45 year-old man and his 10 year-old son were 
rafting on the river when they became trapped in a dam. After forty 
minutes had elapsed, four boys on a second raft came across the two 
individuals, and demonstrated immense bravery in attempting to rescue 
them. After successfully bringing the 10 year-old boy aboard the second 
raft, they unfortunately became caught in the damn, trapping all five 
boys. The 45 year-old man was able to escape the dam, swim to shore, 
and dial 9-1-1.
  At this same time, off-duty Sergeants Eppard and Ahlgren were 
kayaking down the river, and in an act of great courage rescued all 
five boys, whose ages ranged from 10 to 14. Sgt. Eppard has a history 
of heroism, having once rescued a woman at the exact same dam in 2009.
  The selfless heroism of these extraordinary people serves as an 
example to us all. These individuals put their own lives in harm's way 
for the well-being of others. While the 10 year-old boy was treated for 
hypothermia, no one else was injured in an event that could have ended 
in tragedy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these brave 
individuals for their courageous acts and altruistic service.

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