[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF MIKE PONTIUS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2016

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of 
Michael ``Mike'' Pontius, who served the city of Freeport, Illinois, as 
a firefighter for nearly 14 years before retiring due to injuries 
sustained on the job.
  A dedicated firefighter and a loving husband and father, Mike had a 
warm and outgoing presence in his community. In addition to serving as 
a firefighter, he gave back to his alma mater, Aquin High School, 
throughout his life. When Mike wasn't cheering for the Aquin Bulldogs, 
he was rooting on the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He is 
survived by his wife, Dawn, and his children, Josh, Jerek, Jordan, and 
Kirsten.
  Mr. Speaker, as the wife of a sheriff, I know how important it is to 
support our first responders, and I am forever grateful for the service 
Mike provided to the Freeport community. While we commemorate Mike's 
life, and his dedication to his family and community, my thoughts and 
prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time

                          ____________________