[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    HONORING OFFICER DANIEL BALLONI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2020

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Oswego Police 
Officer, Daniel Balloni, for his heroic actions to save a woman from 
the freezing Oswego River.
   On December 29, 2019, at 1:17am, police responded to the Oswego 
River after local residents called 911 to report screams coming from 
the river. As officers began investigating on the west side of the 
river, Officer Balloni, who was not originally dispatched to the call, 
went to the east side to see if he could help. Officer Balloni and his 
colleagues located a young woman in the freezing water struggling to 
stay alive. After several failed attempts by the officers to rescue her 
using a floating ring, Officer Balloni removed his gear and jumped in 
the frigid water, grabbing the ring and the woman. Aided by his fellow 
officers, Officer Balloni was able to bring the woman to shore. Shortly 
thereafter, paramedics arrived on the scene and transported the woman 
to a local hospital where she was treated for hypothermia and is now 
recovering.
   Officer Balloni risked his own safety and suffered from hypothermia 
during this rescue. His actions reaffirm that first responders in our 
community and nationwide put the safety of our communities ahead of 
their own. I am tremendously grateful for the heroic actions of Officer 
Balloni, members of the Oswego Police Department, and all of those who 
work every day to keep us safe.
   Madam Speaker, today I am proud to honor Officer Daniel Balloni for 
acting to save the life of a young woman. Every day, first responders 
like Officer Balloni put their lives on the line to serve and protect 
our community. I thank him as well as the first responders in Central 
New York and across the country for their service.

                          ____________________