Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the courageous actions of Kelly German and Hazel Thompson of Watertown, South Dakota. On the night of August 6, 2013, Kelly and Hazel helped save the lives of over 40 elderly men and women at a retirement home in Watertown. A fire started in one of the apartments late in the evening; and one of the residents, Hazel, heard yelling down the hall and immediately informed Kelly German, the night manager, that the building was on fire. Kelly promptly called 911 and immediately began knocking on tenants' doors, many of whom were sleeping. Knowing that many of the doors were locked and that many of the residents were hard of hearing and slightly immobile, Kelly ran back to her apartment to get the master key. She then resumed knocking on and opening every door to awaken the residents and rush them out of the building. Without the quick action of Hazel, the heroics of Kelly, and the local firefighters in Watertown, many would have lost their lives that night. This story is of special significance to me because Kelly is also a member of my staff and lost everything she owns in that fire. Residents of the home, the community of Watertown, and I will be forever grateful for her selfless act. ____________________”