[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF MICHELE COATES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent 
Michele Coates of Loudoun County, Virginia, for her heroic actions on 
September 23rd, 2016. Michele has been driving school buses in Loudoun 
County for the past 14 years and recently demonstrated her commitment 
to the safety of her students.
  During her usual route to Harmony Middle School in Hamilton, 
Virginia, Michele was confronted by a situation she never thought she 
would have to face. While driving on Berlin Turnpike, Michele and her 
students noticed an unusual odor circulating the bus cabin. After 
safely pulling the bus over to the side of the road, Michele put the 
lives of her students above that of her own and ensured that all 32 
students evacuated the bus safely. When emergency personnel arrived at 
the scene, they immediately determined that the bus was suffering from 
a smoke and gas leak.
  It was at this point that Michele realized that she did not feel well 
and was subsequently taken to the emergency room at Cornwall Inova for 
smoke inhalation. Even while she was in the ambulance, Michele's main 
concern was the safety of her students. In all, seventeen students were 
taken to Cornwall Inova to receive treatment for their exposure to the 
toxic fumes. Had Michele not been so quick thinking and selfless, that 
day could have ended much worse.
  Mr. Speaker, Michele Coates does not ask for recognition. She claims 
that her actions were not heroic, rather her duty. This is why I ask 
that my colleagues join me in thanking Michele for her actions, which 
without a doubt saved the lives of those 32 schoolchildren on that bus. 
I applaud her for her willingness to endanger herself in order to 
protect her students. I wish her all the best in her recovery, as well 
as her future endeavors.

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