[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SEAN O'GORMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless 
actions of Sean O'Gorman, a firefighter from Oswego, New York whose 
quick actions saved the lives of three girls in North Carolina.
   On April 26, 2018, while on vacation with his family in North 
Carolina, Mr. O'Gorman witnessed three girls in distress after being 
caught in a rip current. The girls' father tried to reach them on a 
surfboard, but the rip current was too strong, and he was not able to 
make it. Luckily, Mr. O'Gorman immediately leaped into action.
   Exhibiting consummate professionalism, Mr. O'Gorman entered the 
water to save the girls in distress. Mr. O'Gorman had recently attended 
Swift Water Rescue training in Auburn New York, where he had received 
training to prepare for this type of emergency. Using the aggressive 
swim, forceful crawl stroke he learned in training, O'Gorman managed to 
reach the girls in the rip current, where the father had been unable to 
reach. He managed to successfully retrieve the girls from the water, 
saving their lives. By the time the Emerald Isle Fire Department 
arrived, Mr. O'Gorman already had everyone out of the water and safe.
   Mr. O'Gorman, a firefighter with the Oswego Fire Department, 
heroically saved the lives of three girls from a deadly rip current at 
Emerald Isle. His quick thinking and heroic actions stem from his 
training as a first responder. Our first responders are often called to 
dangerous and dire situations that threaten life. Just as he does every 
single day, Mr. O'Gorman did everything in his power to help those in 
need. It is my honor to recognize him and to offer thanks, praise, and 
a deep debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts.

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