[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF BRIAN BALLENTINE, TROOPER GARDNER, AND 
                             TROOPER JOHNS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 28, 2015

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Brian C. 
Ballentine of Liverpool, New York and Troopers Michael L. Gardner and 
David A. Johns of the New York State Police. On September 5, 2015, 
Trooper Gardner and Trooper Johns, with the help of private civilian 
Mr. Ballentine heroically saved a 4-year old child.
   On September 5, Trooper Gardner and Trooper Johns responded to an 
amber alert issued by the Vermont State Police while traveling on the 
New York State Thruway. As Trooper Gardner and Trooper Johns spotted a 
vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle in the amber alert 
they received a radio call advising that a private citizen, Mr. 
Ballentine, had called 911 to report that the van was in fact the 
suspected vehicle. With this confirmation Trooper Gardner and Trooper 
Johns were able to stop the vehicle and safely rescue the 4-year old 
child.
   Trooper Michael L. Gardner is a 12-year veteran of the New York 
State Police. He has been stationed in Troops D and B and has been 
assigned to the New York State Thruway in Troop T since October of 
2012. Trooper Gardner is currently stationed at State Police Syracuse 
in Dewitt, New York.
   Trooper David A. Johns in an 8-year veteran of the New York State 
Police. He has been stationed in Troops B and D and has been assigned 
to the New York State Thruway in Troop T since October of 2009. He is 
currently stationed at State Police Syracuse in Dewitt, New York.
   Mr. Brian C. Ballentine of Liverpool, New York has lived in the 
Central New York community his entire life and I am proud to recognize 
his exemplary actions in our community.
   I am honored to recognize Trooper Gardner, Trooper Johns, and Mr. 
Ballentine for their heroic actions on September 5, 2015. The 4-year 
old girl is now out of harm's way thanks to these three brave men. 
Trooper Gardner's and Trooper Johns's efforts in this situation 
exemplify the finest traditions of the New York State Police and I wish 
them continued success in their careers.

                          ____________________