December 19, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 206 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING DYLAN M. GOETSCH AND CHRISTOPHER W. SCHMOKER

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                           HON. DUSTY JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2019

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor Dylan M. Goetsch and Christopher W. Schmoker for their 
tremendous courage last year while saving a citizen from a house fire 
in Sturgis, South Dakota.
   After arriving at the scene of a burning home in May 2018, police 
Officer Dylan Goetsch and Sgt. Christopher Schmoker rushed into the 
house without hesitation, knowing Jason McKee was trapped inside. They 
journeyed to the upper level of the home not once, not twice, but three 
times in search of the trapped man. The smoke was so dense, Officer 
Goetsch was unable to see more than a few feet in front of him, but 
they did not retreat until they were able to drag Mr. McKee to safety.
   I was pleased to hear Officer Goetsch and Sgt. Schmoker are being 
awarded the Carnegie Medal by the Carnegie Hero Fund in honor of their 
bravery. This award is reserved for individuals who risk their lives to 
an extraordinary degree in the attempt to save the lives of others. I 
can think of no citizens more deserving of this award than Officer 
Goetsch and Sgt. Schmoker.
   I thank both these South Dakotans for their selfless courage. Our 
state and country are better because of citizens like them. I commend 
them for their outstanding heroism and congratulate them on the 
receival of the esteemed Carnegie Medal.

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