[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF GENE RUDDY FOR RISKING HIS LIFE TO SAVE THE LIVES OF 
                                 OTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2013

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patrolman Gene 
Ruddy, whose heroic action saved the lives of at least eight people in 
Dunmore, Pennsylvania on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Patrolman Ruddy 
was on patrol just after 2:00 a.m. Saturday on Chestnut Street when he 
smelled smoke nearby. He immediately searched the area near Chestnut 
and Drinker Street and looked for the source. He saw smoke coming from 
113 Chestnut Street, a building that housed five apartments and a 
business.
  As he approached the building, Patrolman Ruddy saw flames and he knew 
he needed to act quickly. He called 911 and ran into the building 
through a stairwell. Patrolman Ruddy went to the second-floor apartment 
that appeared to be the source of the growing blaze. He yelled into the 
apartment, pounding on the door, but no one responded. Undaunted, he 
ran up to the third floor to make certain the building was completely 
evacuated. Fortunately, he found a group of several young adults who 
were completely unaware the building was on fire and guided the group 
to safety.
  Patrolman Ruddy ran to the neighboring apartment, breaking down the 
door and evacuating a family of three. Shortly thereafter, the 
situation escalated and the building became too dangerous to re-enter. 
Thankfully, by that time fire fighters had arrived on the scene.
  Patrolman Gene Ruddy is, in every sense of the word, a hero. Without 
a moment of hesitation, he risked his own life to remove several people 
from grave danger. Patrolman Ruddy deserves full recognition from his 
community and country for his acts of valor in the line of duty.

                          ____________________