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HONORING A.J. SLATER, CARNEGIE MEDAL RECIPIENT FROM LAKELAND, FLORIDA

Speaker
F000472
Subject
F000472
Source
Congressional Record · original
Published
Monday, March 31, 2025

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Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E266] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING A.J. SLATER, CARNEGIE MEDAL RECIPIENT FROM LAKELAND, FLORIDA ______ HON. SCOTT FRANKLIN of florida in the house of representatives Monday, March 31, 2025 Mr. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true hero from my hometown of Lakeland, Florida. Mr. A.J. Slater was awarded the Carnegie Medal, North America's highest civilian honor for heroism. In November, Mr. Slater came upon the horrific scene of a fiery crash along the shores of Lake Parker. Without hesitation, and with no regard for his…

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Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E266] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING A.J. SLATER, CARNEGIE MEDAL RECIPIENT FROM LAKELAND, FLORIDA ______ HON. SCOTT FRANKLIN of florida in the house of representatives Monday, March 31, 2025 Mr. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true hero from my hometown of Lakeland, Florida. Mr. A.J. Slater was awarded the Carnegie Medal, North America's highest civilian honor for heroism. In November, Mr. Slater came upon the horrific scene of a fiery crash along the shores of Lake Parker. Without hesitation, and with no regard for his own safety, he rushed toward a burning vehicle where two small children were trapped inside. He heard a mother's desperate cries-- ``Save my kids!''--and immediately jumped into action. Mr. Slater pulled 3-year-old Walker Wills from the flames, saving his life. In a second, selfless attempt, he returned for Walker's sister, 5-year-old JoLynn. Tragically, the flames and smoke overwhelmed the vehicle before he could free her. For his heroic actions, Mr. Slater suffered severe burns, underwent multiple surgeries, and now carries both the physical and emotional scars of that day. Though the pain of loss remains, his courage has inspired our community. His humility is just as powerful as his bravery. In his words, ``To receive this medal is a wonderful feeling--but still a reminder of JoLynn.'' Mr. Slater never sought recognition--only to make his parents, his friends, and his community proud. A.J. Slater represents the very best of us. In a moment when seconds mattered, he chose to run toward danger--saving a child's life and forever impacting a grieving family. As the first known recipient of the Carnegie Medal from Polk County, Mr. Slater now joins the ranks of those who have put the lives of others above their own in a time of great need. Let his story be a beacon of hope reminding us of the extraordinary courage that can exist in everyday people. Today, we honor A.J. Slater--not just for his heroism, but for his humanity. ____________________

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