Floor SpeechUrgent2026-01-14

RECOGNIZING JOSIE PETHAN AND BRENDA DAWES

Context

On 2026-01-14, Representative Tony Wied (R-WI-8) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING JOSIE PETHAN AND BRENDA DAWES" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H801] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JOSIE PETHAN AND BRENDA DAWES (Mr. WIED asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young woman from northeastern Wisconsin who recently saved her mother's life by performing CPR. While at home sick from school, 11-year-old Josie Pethan was confronted with a nightmare scenario that no child should have to experience. Josie had been reading on the couch next to her mother when her mother had a sudden medical emergency. Josie quickly realized something was very wrong. Without hesitation, Josie jumped into action, calling nearby family members for help and then contacting 911. She soon spoke with dispatcher Brenda Dawes, who started guiding her on how to perform CPR. Brenda was able to walk Josie through the proper CPR technique while they waited for EMTs to arrive. When asked about who was in her mind during this traumatic experience, she responded: Jesus. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable young woman. Because of her decisive actions, her mother is alive today and doing much better. I also want to recognize and thank Brenda Dawes for her service to our community. Because of her calm guidance and sound advice, a tragedy was prevented. Northeast Wisconsin is blessed to have such compassionate and dedicated 911 dispatchers just like her. Josie's quick thinking and faith in God will carry her very far in life. On behalf of everyone in Wisconsin's Eighth District, I want her to know how proud we are of her and how happy we are that her mother is doing okay. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING JOSIE PETHAN AND BRENDA DAWES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H801] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JOSIE PETHAN AND BRENDA DAWES (Mr. WIED asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young woman from northeastern Wisconsin who recently saved her mother's life by performing CPR. While at home sick from school, 11-year-old Josie Pethan was confronted with a nightmare scenario that no child should have to experience. Josie had been reading on the couch next to her mother when her mother had a sudden medical emergency. Josie quickly realized something was very wrong. Without hesitation, Josie jumped into action, calling nearby family members for help and then contacting 911. She soon spoke with dispatcher Brenda Dawes, who started guiding her on how to perform CPR. Brenda was able to walk Josie through the proper CPR technique while they waited for EMTs to arrive. When asked about who was in her mind during this traumatic experience, she responded: Jesus. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this remarkable young woman. Because of her decisive actions, her mother is alive today and doing much better. I also want to recognize and thank Brenda Dawes for her service to our community. Because of her calm guidance and sound advice, a tragedy was prevented. Northeast Wisconsin is blessed to have such compassionate and dedicated 911 dispatchers just like her. Josie's quick thinking and faith in God will carry her very far in life. On behalf of everyone in Wisconsin's Eighth District, I want her to know how proud we are of her and how happy we are that her mother is doing okay. ____________________