[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 164 (Monday, October 6, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CHRISTOPHER FEARON AS A DISTINGUISHED FIRST RESPONDER LEADER 
                           IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 6, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer in Altamonte Springs, 
while off-duty and spending time with his family, Firefighter and 
Paramedic Christopher Fearon witnessed a five-year-old boy slip under 
the water and begin to drown. Within seconds, he pulled the child out, 
cleared his airway, and helped him take a lifesaving breath. The boy 
was purple in the face and struggling to breathe, but thanks to Chris's 
training, instinct, and calm under pressure, he survived and recovered.
  Chris embodies: Skill and decisiveness under pressure--drawing on 
years of fire-rescue and paramedic training; Service beyond duty--never 
hesitating to act, even off the clock; Humility and compassion--later 
reflecting, ``All I wanted to do since I was little was help people . . 
. and I love it.'' This act of quick thinking heroism, covered by local 
news, not only saved a life but also drew attention to the importance 
of water safety in Central Florida. The boy has since received a 
scholarship to learn to swim, creating a ripple effect of safety and 
prevention beyond the incident itself.

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