[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   13TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL FIRE AND RESCUE AND EMS AWARDS (CFREA)

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2012

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire and rescue 
and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people 
of Florida's 13th Congressional District.
  As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service 
teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective 
communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and 
trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These 
brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they 
are prepared when they get `the call.'
  This year, I established the 13th District Congressional Fire and 
Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for 
outstanding achievement.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 13th District, it is my 
privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected by 
an independent committee comprised of a cross section of current and 
retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district.
  Lieutenant Timothy Geer of the Bradenton Fire Department received the 
Career Service Award.
  The Englewood Area Fire Control District received the Community 
Safety Awareness Campaign Award.
  Captain Tom Sousa of the West Manatee Fire Rescue District received 
the Career Service Award.
  Training Officer Timothy Hyden of the East Manatee Fire Rescue 
District received the Career Service Award.
  Firefighter Deborah Schuster of the Sarasota County Fire Department 
posthumously received the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
  I offer my sincerest appreciation for the service and dedication of 
these exceptional individuals. I thank the fire departments that made 
such worthy nominations and the panel that reviewed them.
  These awards truly are a necessary reminder of the men and women who 
risk their safety on a daily basis, bound to their duty to ensure our 
own.

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