[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO TIM CONLEY AND THE PEOPLE OF MORGAN COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Morgan County Judge Executive Tim Conley and the first responders of 
West Liberty, Kentucky in honor of their steadfast resolve and 
perseverance to rebuild and recover the town of West Liberty in the 
midst of disaster.
  On Friday March 2, 2012, thousands of lives changed across southern 
and eastern Kentucky, when multiple deadly tornadoes ravaged our 
region, including an EF-3 tornado that destroyed downtown West Liberty 
with winds reaching 165 mph. Homes were leveled, businesses and 
community centers annihilated, families were displaced all over the 
countryside, and loved ones were lost. County Judge Tim Conley, West 
Liberty Mayor Jim Rupe, and first responders took charge immediately, 
serving as heroes both during and after the storm. Along with many 
others, Judge Conley risked his own life to rush a family into shelter 
at City Hall, barely hanging on as the violent eye of the storm nearly 
swept them away. Within days of the disaster, Conley made tough 
decisions to get the county back into operation after the tornado shut 
down every bank, grocery store, gas station, and government building in 
town. Through his dedication and hard work, Conley kept up morale, 
supplied vital information to residents, and rallied the community as 
they began to envision a new future for West Liberty.
  Thousands of volunteers and tireless emergency crews helped Kentucky 
families get back on their feet after the deadly tornado outbreak. Our 
brave first responders searched every home for survivors, staying awake 
until everyone was accounted for and had received medical attention. 
The volunteer efforts ranged from people of all ages, including Boy 
Scouts and Disabled American Veterans, who fed and clothed dozens of 
families in addition to cleaning and rebuilding homes and businesses. 
Volunteer efforts were so abundant that FEMA did not have to set up any 
temporary shelters, due to the numerous families in West Liberty that 
selflessly took in their neighbors and family members.
  As West Liberty continues to rebuild and look forward, we must 
remember and honor the hundreds of first responders, local officials 
such as Tim Conley, and volunteers who worked hard to lend a hand in 
the darkest hour. It was through their selfless service, resilience, 
and valiant leadership that helped put Morgan County on the path to 
recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Tim Conley, 
our first responders, and the numerous volunteers throughout Kentucky 
for their heroic acts of bravery, compassion for those in need, and 
determination to recover and succeed.

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