[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE BRAVE FIRST RESPONDERS OF HACKLEBURG AND PHIL CAMPBELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2012

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the courage and 
dedication of the first responders of Hackleburg and Phil Campbell in 
the wake of the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011. Furthermore I want 
to honor the heroic actions of these volunteer firefighters, law 
enforcement officers and paramedics for their selfless devotion to 
their communities.
  On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the State of Alabama experienced the 
worst tornado outbreak since 1974 and possibly the deadliest the State 
has ever seen. The small Northwest Alabama towns of Hackleburg and Phil 
Campbell were completely devastated by the storms. The storms left a 
path of destruction through the towns at least half a mile wide, 
destroying numerous houses and businesses as well as both high schools, 
the fire and police stations in Hackleburg and severely damaging the 
city hall in Phil Campbell. Worst of all, the tornadoes took the lives 
of 18 people in the Hackleburg area and 27 people in Phil Campbell.
  During the difficult hours and days immediately following the 
tornadoes of April 27, 2011, the first responders of Hackleburg, Phil 
Campbell, Marion County and Franklin County acted with the utmost 
professionalism and bravery when called to duty. Despite the carnage, 
they performed their duties with valor and perseverance. Many of them 
were working to assist others while not knowing whether their own 
families were safe. During the first frantic hours--and even days--of 
the search and rescue effort, sleep was not an option. They had a 
mission to do: to coordinate emergency work and retain order even while 
the debris-littered streets were the same route used to carry out the 
wounded and deceased and to welcome in relief workers from neighboring 
communities. But through it all, they never lost sight of the people 
they had sworn to serve and the spirit that has held their communities 
together.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Fourth Congressional District of 
Alabama, I commend the brave men and women of the volunteer fire 
departments, law enforcement agencies and paramedics for their courage, 
selflessness and commitment to their communities. They, along with the 
resilient folks they serve, have begun to pick up the pieces of their 
shattered towns. I have every confidence that the Towns of Hackleburg 
and Phil Campbell will fully rebuild and be better than ever.

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