[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E309-E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF VENETIA BRYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2010

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
achievements of Venetia Bryers of Gladstone, Michigan. Venetia devoted 
her life to developing and improving emergency medical services in 
Delta County and throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. As an 
entrepreneur and advocate, Venetia often travelled to Washington, DC to 
advocate for emergency medical personnel and medical services across 
our Nation. Venetia was also a close personal friend going back 40 
years to when we were classmates together at Gladstone High School.
  Venetia's devotion to public service began with her career choice to 
study criminal justice at Northern Michigan University. In 1974, 
Venetia began working for the city ambulance service in Escanaba, and 
within a year she had become a full-time partner in the business 
changing its name to Rampart EMS. Venetia became the sole owner of 
Rampart in 1979, eventually selling it to Marquette General Health 
Systems in 1998, but staying on as director of emergency medical 
services.
  Under her leadership and vision Rampart EMS grew into a successful 
company that

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blazed the trail in providing emergency services for residents across 
Delta County. Venetia was instrumental in upgrading Rampart's ambulance 
services to advanced life support services which enabled Rampart to 
provide vital life-saving care including defibrillation, airway 
management and medication. In a rural area like Delta County these life 
support services often make the difference between life and death in 
emergency situations.
  Emergency medical service was more than just a business for Venetia, 
it was her passion. She was always eager to learn more and to advance 
the field farther. She was the director for Rampart, but was also a 
paramedic for the company. She was an assistant to the Delta County 
medical examiner and taught emergency medical technician and paramedic 
courses throughout the Upper Peninsula.
  Venetia's hard work can be found throughout the community. She 
implemented code alert teams in area schools--one of the first 
communities in the state to do so--and taught CPR training and 
emergency response tactics. She was a founding member of the Delta 
County Emergency Preparedness Committee and served on the Upper 
Peninsula EMS Board of Directors. She initiated and financially 
supported the Save-a-Heart Foundation, which put automated external 
defibrillators, AED, in every fire truck, police car and school in 
Escanaba.
  Given all her work it is only fitting that Venetia was the first 
recipient of the Extraordinary People/Extraordinary Service EMS 
Leadership Award from the Michigan Emergency Medical Services System 
and Trauma System.
  Venetia's involvement in the community extended well beyond her EMS 
work. She supported the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, participated in the 
Rotary Club and the Public Health of Delta and Menominee Counties and 
was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church.
  Madam Speaker, Venetia has touched the lives of countless people 
around her and her absence will be felt by many. She built Rampart EMS 
into a successful business all while creating a close family 
atmosphere. She dedicated her life to improving emergency services and 
saving lives in Delta County, across Michigan and our Nation. I have 
seen first hand her warmth, her generous spirit and her enthusiasm for 
her work. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in honoring the work and the life of my friend 
Venetia Bryers.

                          ____________________