[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15378]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF CHRIS CAHOON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 1999

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to laud the courageous efforts 
of Chris Cahoon, a resident of Warwick, Rhode Island, who recently came 
to the rescue of a choking child. Chris, a sixteen year-old volunteer 
at the Washington Fire Department in Coventry, Rhode Island, was 
spending Father's Day with his family at a local restaurant when he 
notices some commotion at another table. A father was slapping his son 
on the back, trying to assist his choking ten year-old. Using the quick 
thinking and first aid training he had learned as a Fire Scout, Chris 
leapt from his seat and deftly administered the Heimlich maneuver to 
the child, who, after being examined by the local rescue team, was able 
to resume his meal. For his decisive action, Chris earned the respect 
and gratitude of the child, his family, and the assembled emergency 
medical technicians.
  Such mature behavior may seem uncharacteristic of a sixteen year-old, 
though Chris's family and acquaintances have known of his dedication to 
helping others since his earliest days. Like many young children, Chris 
once told everyone within earshot that he wanted to grow up to be a 
firefighter. However, unlike other youths, Chris followed his dream and 
joined the Washington Fire Department's Fire Scout Program at the early 
age of thirteen, a full two years before the standard admission age. 
Bill Hall, director of the program, recognized Chris's enthusiasm and 
ability and thus waived the minimum age requirement for the young 
protege. Chris did not disappoint, excelling in all aspect of the 
training, from pulling lines to dressing hydrants, and perhaps most 
importantly, first aid. Not surprisingly, Chris is considered one of 
the most adept alumni of the program, and wishes to continue his 
training after high school by pursuing a career in firefighting. Given 
his previous accomplishments, Chris Cahoon will have shining career in 
public service ahead of him.
  Not only does Chris's heroic action give us reason to recognize a 
commendable young man, it also provides proof that America's youth are 
still learning important values such as self-improvement, service to 
others, and selflessness. Chris had a childhood dream--a noble dream--
and he was encouraged to pursue this path by the community around him, 
most notably by his parents, Debbie and Gene Cahoon. Mr. Speaker, I am 
proud of Chris and hold him as an example of what our children may 
accomplish if they are provided with nurturing surroundings. 
Furthermore, I salute him personally for his heroism and kindness.

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