[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO MICHELLE ARCHER

 Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Vermont 
State Police Trooper Michelle Archer for her lifesaving rescue of a 
young child. Trooper Archer's heroic actions are an extraordinary 
example of public service.
  Trooper Archer joined the Vermont State Police in 2018 and has worked 
out of both the Williston and Derby barracks, serving the counties of 
Chittenden, Lamoille, and Orleans.
  On December 17, 2023, Trooper Archer was on patrol in Lamoille 
County. When a 911 call came in from the town of Cambridge reporting 
that an 8-year-old child had fallen through the ice on a frozen pond 
into 40-degree water, Trooper Archer was on scene in less than 5 
minutes. Without hesitation, she jumped into action. Trooper Archer put 
her training to use by grabbing a throw rope and floatation device, 
quickly but calmly entering the freezing water and swimming out to the 
victim, and bringing the unresponsive young girl to shore. There, 
Trooper Archer's colleague, Trooper Keith Cote, provided first aid. The 
child spent time in the hospital, but thankfully, and in no small part 
due to the troopers' decisive actions, she is fully recovered.
  While Trooper Archer's rescue rightfully made headlines, it is just 
one example of the dedication of Vermont public servants in law 
enforcement and beyond. Every day, they renew their commitment to 
protecting and serving Vermonters with fairness and compassion. This 
often means putting their own lives and safety on the line. They are 
our neighbors, friends, family members, and fellow Vermonters--
committed to the values of integrity, courage, and honor--and to making 
a difference in the lives of others.
  Trooper Archer, along with Trooper Cote, demonstrated exceptional 
service during this rescue, and for that, they have the sincere 
appreciation of all Vermonters. I am hopeful that their exceptional 
display of public service will inspire others to step up and serve 
their communities. In Vermont, we need more dedicated people to join 
the ranks of the Vermont State Police and other law enforcement 
agencies, and to enter other public sector jobs like teaching, 
healthcare, the fire service, and beyond.

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