[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 237]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING JEFFERSON THORNTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2013

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
constituents, Jefferson Thornton of Ogdensburg, NY, for his heroic 
actions on the morning of November 12, 2012.
  A retired fire captain on leave from Afghanistan for the holidays, he 
was sick and unable to sleep at 3 a.m. that morning. Going outside, he 
noticed the home of Brandy Middlemiss collecting smoke. Moving quickly 
into action, he successfully alerted Brandy and her two children, 
Patrick and Lynzee, guiding them safely away from the fire.
  In doing so, Jefferson demonstrated great bravery, instinct and skill 
when he saved the lives of Brandy, Patrick and Lynzee. For his efforts, 
Jefferson was awarded the New York State Senate Liberty medal, one of 
the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive.
  His actions are nothing short of heroic, demonstrating the best in 
our citizenry through selflessness and courage. I stand with everyone 
in the community thanking him for this selfless act and his continued 
commitment to public service and to serving this country.

                          ____________________