MEDIA ADVISORY: Bilirakis to Honor U.S. Army Veteran, Constituent Jim Flaherty for Heroic Efforts

Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL) will honor Jim Flaherty, an U.S. Army veteran and constituent who heroically saved the life of an accident victim by rescuing her from a burning vehicle, tomorrow at a ceremony at Tampa International Airport.

"Mr. Flaherty's actions are an example of the best in humanity and something we should all strive to achieve," said Congressman Bilirakis. "I commend him for his heroic efforts and am proud to call him one of my constituents."

In the early morning hours of March 13, Mr. Flaherty, who also served 20 years with the New York Police Department, was driving to his job with the TSA at Tampa International Airport when he was passed by a speeding car. Minutes later, the car crashed into the woods by the side of the road and caught fire. Mr. Flaherty stopped his car, and without concern for his own well-being, ran to aid the victim who was unable to escape on her own due to injuries and damage sustained to the driver's door during the accident. Along with another passerby, Mr. Flaherty pulled her out of the passenger side and carried her to safety before the car was consumed by fire. He also stayed with her until local first responders arrived on scene.

WHO: Congressman Gus Bilirakis

WHAT: Ceremony Honoring Jim Flaherty

WHEN:TOMMORROW, Tuesday, April 23

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Marriott Hotel at Tampa International Airport

Suite 2544

4200 George J Bean Outbound Pkwy

Tampa, FL 33607