[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 113 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING TROOPER II BRANDON WEST AS THE 2018 PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMBER 
              OF COMMERCE BRONZE MEDAL OF VALOR RECIPIENT

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 6, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend 2018 Bronze Medal of 
Valor Trooper II Brandon D. West for his extraordinary service and 
superior dedication to public safety he displays on a daily basis.
  For the past 32 years, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce has 
paid tribute to our police officers, firefighters, and emergency 
personnel for their extraordinary service. Each year, we gather to 
recognize the remarkable heroism and bravery above and beyond the line 
of duty exemplified by our public safety and law enforcement 
professionals.
  In 2014, Trooper West received the Virginia State Police 
Superintendent's Award of Honor, the American Red Cross Lifesaving 
Award, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Silver Medal of Valor 
Award for his bravery, selflessness, and quick action in rescuing an 
individual and his dog before their disabled vehicle was engulfed in 
flames. These are just a few of the honors and awards bestowed to 
Trooper West in recognition of his dedication to public safety.
  During a shift in 2017, Trooper West was stationary on Interstate 95 
northbound at the Occoquan Bridge when he saw a Dodge pickup truck with 
a large trailer pull to the right shoulder of the bridge. Trooper West 
proceeded to the location. Fairfax Communications sent out a call for a 
safety service to respond and informed Trooper West that an additional 
request for rescue services had been dispatched. Upon his arrival to 
the scene, a passenger informed Trooper West that the driver was 
injured. Trooper West found the driver pale and in possible shock. 
Seeing a large amount of blood on the floorboard, Trooper West realized 
a broken drive shaft had come through the floor of the pickup, striking 
the driver and severing part of his leg. Trooper West applied a 
tourniquet to the driver's leg to slow the loss of blood. The 
tourniquet kept slipping, so Trooper West held the tourniquet in place 
until rescue services arrived and applied a second tourniquet. 
Ultimately, the driver was flown from the scene in good condition, 
thanks to Trooper West's rescue efforts.
  In recognition of his act of valor, extraordinary dedication, and 
outstanding performance under unusually difficult circumstances, it is 
my honor to include in the Record Bronze Medal for Valor Award 
recipient, Trooper Brandon D. West of the Virginia State Police. 
Trooper West has exemplified the noble mission of all law-enforcement 
officers: to protect and serve in the line of duty.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in recognizing Trooper II 
Brandon D. West and in congratulating him on receiving the 2018 Prince 
William Chamber of Commerce Bronze Medal of Valor Award. The selfless 
act of heroism by Trooper West merits our highest praise. I thank 
Trooper West, as well as all Virginia State Police law enforcement 
professionals, for their dedication and commitment to the protection of 
our communities.

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