[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 181 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION TO THE HEROISM OF SHERIFF DEPUTY KEVIN CRIPPS

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2018

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Kevin 
Cripps and Fireman Trevor White of Kinmundy, Illinois for their 
courage.
  On September 8, 2018, five young adults attempted to cross over 
Skillet Fork Creek Bridge when rising waters swept the truck off the 
road. The group climbed out of the sinking truck through the windows 
and managed to dial 911.
  Sergeant Kevin Cripps took the call and rushed to their aid. Sergeant 
Cripps used ropes and life jackets to pull the four closest to him away 
from the current. Fireman Trevor White and Sergeant Cripps combined 
their efforts to save the fifth person. While Sergeant Cripps braced 
himself as an anchor, White continued towards the fifth teenager with a 
rope and life jacket. Sergeant Cripps then pulled in the adolescent and 
Trevor White to safety. Assistant Fire Chief Brad Hawkey called 
Sergeant Cripps a hero, saying it was a team effort and that ``God was 
with us''.
  Mr. Speaker, I personally want to thank these gentlemen for their 
bravery and efforts in the rescue. Their actions are an example to me 
and to those within their community. I commend Sergeant Kevin Cripps 
and fireman Trevor White as we celebrate their heroism and wish them 
success in their future endeavors.

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