[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12254]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             TRIBUTE TO RYAN BELANGER FOR HIS HEROIC RESCUE

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to an individual who has distinguished himself in the State of 
New Hampshire by performing the outstanding heroic act of saving the 
life of a resident of the town of Bedford.
  Ryan Belanger acted selflessly on April 9th, 2000, to rescue resident 
Paula Halla, only moments before her car exploded. Paula's car had been 
struck off the road by a tree that fell during a storm, leaving her 
trapped in the burning vehicle anxiously awaiting rescue crews.
  Belanger, who noticed the vehicle after also striking the fallen 
tree, checked on the passengers in his vehicle and immediately rushed 
to the aid of Paula. Without hesitation, Ryan Belanger began to attempt 
to put out the fire, and pulled Paula from the burning car only moments 
before it exploded.
  Citing his late grandfather's influence and love of life, Belanger 
stated, ``He was my father, and made me who I am. If it wasn't for him, 
I wouldn't have pulled that lady out of the car.'' Had Ryan not acted 
with haste, Paula would have most likely been killed in the incident. 
Instead, she escaped with minor bruises and cuts.
  I am honored to recognize a true American hero, and to commend him on 
his successful efforts to rescue a fellow resident of the state. He 
quickly rescued Paula Halla from her vehicle, saving her life. He is an 
inspiration to the town of Bedford, his home town of Manchester, and 
the state and nation as a whole. I applaud his courage and perseverence 
in the daring rescue. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to represent 
him in the United States Senate.

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