[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING BLAKE KEITH HUFF AND BENJAMIN M. HAWKINS FOR RECEIVING 
                     THE CARNEGIE MEDAL OF HEROISM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Blake Keith 
Huff and Benjamin M. Hawkins for receiving the Carnegie Medal in 
recognition of their act of extraordinary heroism. Through their 
actions, Blake and Benjamin 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 Benjamin and Blake are deserving of this honor.
  Mary Jo Tester, 50 and a paraplegic, was in her home's living room 
when fire broke out and began to spread in that room. Tester called for 
help. Huff, a 23-year-old police sergeant, and Hawkins, a 35-year-old 
deputy sheriff, both of Kalkaska, responded to the home after learning 
of the fire. Seeing flames through the living room window and black 
smoke issuing from the eaves, Huff and Hawkins entered the home. Huff 
crawled on his belly about 15 feet across the living room toward 
Tester, who was on the floor with flames nearby. Along the way he moved 
a recliner, which was on fire, from his path. Hawkins crawled inside 
behind Huff.
  Reaching Tester on the far side of the room amid nearby flames, Huff 
grasped Tester by the ankles and crawled backward, dragging her. 
Hawkins grasped Huff's pant leg and pulled and guided Huff, Tester in 
tow, to the door. Huff and Hawkins lifted Tester and carried her from 
the home. While Mary Jo tragically died of smoke inhalation five days 
later, the heroic actions of Benjamin and Blake serve as an inspiration 
for those in Michigan's First District. Their courage and devotion to 
public duty have touched the lives of countless community members, and 
the impact of their heroism cannot be overstated.
  Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Blake and Benjamin for their 
exceptional heroism and congratulate them for receiving the Carnegie 
Medal. 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 Benjamin and Blake all the best in their future 
endeavors.

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