[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING JOSIE PETHAN AND BRENDA DAWES

  (Mr. WIED asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary 
young woman from northeastern Wisconsin who recently saved her mother's 
life by performing CPR.
  While at home sick from school, 11-year-old Josie Pethan was 
confronted with a nightmare scenario that no child should have to 
experience. Josie had been reading on the couch next to her mother when 
her mother had a sudden medical emergency. Josie quickly realized 
something was very wrong.
  Without hesitation, Josie jumped into action, calling nearby family 
members for help and then contacting 911. She soon spoke with 
dispatcher Brenda Dawes, who started guiding her on how to perform CPR.
  Brenda was able to walk Josie through the proper CPR technique while 
they waited for EMTs to arrive. When asked about who was in her mind 
during this traumatic experience, she responded: Jesus.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
remarkable young woman. Because of her decisive actions, her mother is 
alive today and doing much better.
  I also want to recognize and thank Brenda Dawes for her service to 
our community. Because of her calm guidance and sound advice, a tragedy 
was prevented. Northeast Wisconsin is blessed to have such 
compassionate and dedicated 911 dispatchers just like her.
  Josie's quick thinking and faith in God will carry her very far in 
life. On behalf of everyone in Wisconsin's Eighth District, I want her 
to know how proud we are of her and how happy we are that her mother is 
doing okay.

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