November 9, 2001

Local Hero Receives Senate Honor

By State Senator Mary Lazich

       In response to this selfless act of heroism, on November 6, 2001, I proposed legislation honoring Stanley for his bravery and public service.   I am very proud to have a true, American hero living in the district that I represent.  Stanley Stefanowski showed tremendous courage when he confronted and helped to subdue a man that in all probability would have crashed the Boeing 767.

       Stanley not only saved the lives of the passengers and crew on board American Flight 1238, but also persons on the ground as well.  He is richly deserving of our respect, and I am very pleased to author legislation to honor his act of bravery.  Senate Resolution Nine, was unanimously adopted by the Wisconsin State Senate on November 6, the last floor date of the Senate for 2001.

      The language of Senate Resolution Nine follows:

      Relating to the bravery and public service of Stanley Stefanowski. 

      Whereas, on Monday, October 8, 2001, Stanley Stefanowski, as a civilian passenger aboard the American Airlines Flight 1238 from Los Angeles to Chicago, was instrumental in saving the lives of all on board and an inestimable number of lives on the ground by the restraining of Edward Coburn, a mentally ill passenger who attempted to commandeer American Airlines Fligth 1238; and

        Whereas, Stanley Stefanowski’s valiant acts included encouraging other passengers of American Airlines Flight 1238 to take action to prevent a catastrophe and, by virtue of his deed, served as a role model for those on board and those who learned of his actions through the media; and

        Whereas, Stanley selflessly served the crew and passengers on American Airlines Flight 1238 and his country, in the face of danger so grave that it required the scrambling of two Air National Guard F-16 fighter jets to escort American Airlines Flight 1238 to its destination in Chicago; now, therefore, be it

        Resolved by the senate, That the members of the Wisconsin State Senate honor Stanley Stefanowski for his heroic deed and his contribution to the security of the crew and passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 1238 and to the citizens of the United States; and, be it further

       Resolved, That the Senate Chief Clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to Stanley Stefanowski.