[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TIM SCHWERING

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                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spokane 
Police Officer Tim Schwering.
  On Friday, January 20, 2017, Officer Schwering was first on the scene 
to a vehicle fire, with reports of the driver inside. The driver, Kim 
Novak, was returning home when she encountered a frozen section of 
roadway, causing her car to malfunction and eventually catch fire. 
According to Officer Schwering, when he arrived on scene, the car was 
engulfed in flames and he noticed a woman trapped in the backseat. Upon 
learning that she was unable to escape the car, Officer Schwering used 
his baton to begin breaking a hole in one of the passenger windows. He 
was successful in creating a hole large enough for Ms. Novak to escape, 
saving her life.
  The next day, Officer Schwering met Ms. Novak, who expressed her 
thanks for his valiant efforts. According to Ms. Novak, ``You just 
don't hear about that kind of compassion and follow through. And the 
officers get a lot of bad rap, but here's a guy who's a genuine hero.''
  Today and every day, we owe a debt of gratitude to our nation's law 
enforcement officers, who put themselves in harm's way to serve and 
protect. I'm grateful for the sheriffs and officers in Eastern 
Washington, such as Officer Schwering, who put on the uniform and do 
right by their communities each and every day. I want to recognize 
Officer Schwering for his bravery and quick thinking in a dangerous 
situation.

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