[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE ALLEGHANY RESCUE SQUAD ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2019

  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 
Alleghany Rescue Squad in North Carolina's Fifth District on its 50th 
anniversary. The story behind this rescue squad is a truly remarkable 
testament to the strength and character of this community.
  On September 12, 1969, high school students, Linda Pennington and 
Johnny Johnson, collided with a tree while driving from the school 
football game. Both were trapped inside the car for hours before they 
could be taken to the hospital.
  At the scene of the wreck, hundreds gathered and did what they could 
to help, but without jaws of life and other rescue equipment, they were 
not able to save Linda and Johnny. The community responded to this 
horrible tragedy by coming together to make sure next time disaster 
struck, it would be prepared.
  Local leaders gathered men and women to form the rescue squad. Soon, 
with the help of the Elkin Rescue Squad, CPR classes were underway, and 
so was the squad's fundraising campaign. The rescue squad made appeals 
to the community for money to buy a truck, all-purpose first-aid kit, 
resuscitator, jaws of life and many other life-saving tools.
  The response from community members was incredibly generous and the 
Alleghany Rescue Squad continues strong today, comprised entirely of 
volunteer workers--including three of its charter members--who raise 
all funding for equipment and rescue classes. These men and women are 
true heroes, always ready to save when lives are in danger.
  They prove that when neighbors are in need, the community around them 
can provide the best help, and I am very proud to represent citizens 
who so selflessly serve their fellow citizens.

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