[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING ASHLAND, KY CITY WORKERS FOR HEROIC FLOOD RESCUE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to three remarkable individuals from my home state of Kentucky. 
My brother-in law William Gambill, Kermit Nethercutt, and William Ott, 
all employees with the Ashland, Kentucky Water Department, were 
involved in a courageous rescue of a local woman during the heavy rains 
and flooding that occurred in my state last spring.
  On May 5, Mrs. Mary Newmark of Ashland became stuck in mud and waist-
deep water while clearing a creek near her home. For a terrifying hour, 
with creek waters rapidly rising around her, nobody could hear her 
desperate pleas for help. Gratefully, her shouts were soon detected by 
three city employees working on a nearby water line.
  The three men responded immediately, frantically searching for Mrs. 
Newmark in the dense greenery surrounding the creek. Mrs. Newmark was 
finally able to end her ordeal by tossing a ball, that she'd earlier 
cleared from the swollen creek, into the air allowing the men to locate 
and assist her.
  The joint effort of Mr. Ott, Mr. Gambill, and Mr. Nethercutt 
demonstrates a selfless and admirable devotion to their community. 
Their quick action saved a young mother from what could have been a 
very serious injury.
  On behalf of the citizens of Ashland, I am honored to recognize 
William Ott, William Gambill, and Kermit Nethercutt for their Good 
Samaritan spirit before this chamber of Congress today. We are 
fortunate to have their service.

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