[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 3, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING ZACHARY J. COREY AND KAREN MARIE MALLON FOR RECEIVING 
                     THE CARNEGIE MEDAL OF HEROISM

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                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 3, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Zachary J. 
Corey and Karen Marie Mallon for receiving the Carnegie Medal in 
recognition of their act of extraordinary heroism. Through their 
actions, Karen and Zachary have shown themselves to be selfless, 
courageous, and indispensable parts of Michigan's First District.
  The Carnegie Medal was established in 1904 by the industrialist and 
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It is given to recognize those who 
perform extraordinary acts of heroism in civilian life, and to provide 
financial assistance for those disabled and the dependents of those 
killed saving or attempting to save others. Since 1904, more than 
10,000 awardees have been honored, with more than $40 million given in 
grants, scholarships, death benefits, and other assistance. There is no 
doubt that Karen and Zachary are deserving of this honor.
  Six-year-old Olivia Thomas and her sister Addalyn, just 13 days old, 
along with their mother and eight year-old sister were in a vehicle 
that struck a tow truck head on, veered off the road, and into a 
shallow ditch where it caught fire. Zachary, the driver of the tow 
truck, ran to the passenger side of the vehicle where he saw Olivia in 
the front passenger seat. Unable to open the door, Zachary grasped the 
window frame and pulled on it, forcing the door open slightly. He 
extended his upper body inside the vehicle, removed Olivia's seat belt, 
and pulled her out. When Karen arrived, she entered through the open 
rear passenger-side door and knelt on the seat while trying to remove 
Addalyn from her car seat. With difficulty Mallon freed Addalyn from 
the seat, picked her up, and exited the vehicle, taking her to safety. 
Soon after, the vehicle was engulfed by flames. While their mother and 
8-year-old sister did not survive the crash, the heroic actions of 
Zachary and Karen ensured that this tragedy did not take the lives of 
these two young girls. Their courage has touched the lives of countless 
community members, and the impact of their heroism cannot be 
overstated.
  Mr. Speaker, It's my honor to recognize Zachary and Karen for their 
exceptional heroism in saving the lives of Olivia and Addalyn. 
Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home 
to such selfless and courageous individuals. On behalf of my 
constituents, I wish Karen and Zachary all the best in their future 
endeavors.

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