[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING KENNETH SULLIVAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kenneth Sullivan 
for his heroic response to a potentially disastrous situation during 
the severe flooding of eastern Connecticut last month. Kenneth is the 
director of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities, which 
controls the Jewett City Sewage Treatment Plant. With the Quinebaug 
River rising rapidly at the peak of the storm, Kenneth immediately 
recognized that the $19.6 million plant and local residents were in 
danger and, with the help of his colleagues, moved quickly to avert 
disaster. I had the opportunity to visit the plant with Griswold First 
Selectman Philip Anthony during this emergency and saw firsthand 
Kenneth's great work and leadership as he rallied people from around 
the region to help protect the plant.
  A soon as he realized the severity of the situation, Kenneth 
contacted state emergency preparedness and environmental organizations 
as well as summoned the help of the National Guard. He worked around 
the clock with colleagues, town employees, and local firefighters to 
surround the plant's pump station with sandbags and prevent the 
floodwaters from overrunning it. At one point during the storm, the 
water was said to have risen three feet in one hour. If it were to rise 
any higher than it did, close to 2,000 homes and the Quinebaug River 
itself would have been contaminated with backed-up, raw sewage.
  By the end of the 36-hour ordeal, the integrity of the plant's 
structures remained and no sewage was lost. Kenneth was faced with a 
worst case scenario and achieved the best possible outcome through 
diligent planning and coordination. Not only was he wise to take 
advantage of the resources available to him, but he saw this job 
through and did so without hesitation. I ask all Members of the House 
to join me in honoring Kenneth Sullivan for his undying sense of 
service and commitment to the people of eastern Connecticut.

                          ____________________