[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING FIRE AND RESCUE AND EMS PERSONNEL OF FLORIDA'S 16TH 
                         CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  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 16th 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.''
  Last year, I established the 16th 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 16th 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.
  Battalion Chief Stacey S. Bailey of the East Manatee Fire Rescue 
received the Career Service Award.
  The Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue Team received the Associate 
Service Award.
  Battalion Chief Russell McCord of the Englewood Area Fire Control 
received the Career Service Award.
  Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Kolesa received the Above and Beyond the 
Call of Duty Award.
  I appreciate this opportunity to recognize 16th District fire and 
rescue and EMS personnel.

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