[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8266]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING LOCAL HERO ABBY BERANEK FOR FIRE SAFETY PREPAREDNESS

  (Mrs. BIGGERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a local hero 
from my home district. At just 7 years old, Abby Beranek of Lemont, 
Illinois, demonstrated quick thinking and courage when a fire broke out 
in her home, utilizing the fire safety skills she learned as a Girl 
Scout to keep her family safe.
  When she realized her home was on fire, first-grader Abby Beranek 
remained calm and immediately put in action the lessons she learned 
when her troop visited the Lemont fire station. Because of Abby's 
courage and quick thinking, she was able to help her mom and keep her 
18-month-old brothers and 3-month-old sister safe.
  I also want to commend the Lemont Fire Protection District, 
especially Jeff Hawthorne and Chief Carl Churulo, for offering 
lifesaving educational safety courses for our children. Their hard work 
and willingness to reach out to the community has clearly made a 
difference and saved lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a local 
hero, Abby Beranek of Lemont, Illinois, who has made her community and 
her family very proud.

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