[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING JON CASEY OF THE SOUTHLAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jon Casey of the 
Southlake Fire Department in Southlake, Texas. Casey was honored 
yesterday, September 7th, by the Southlake Baptist Church during a 
special service for first responders. Though only having been a 
firefighter in Southlake for a short time, Casey has demonstrated 
noteworthy courage and dedication to serving others.
  Jon Casey was hired by the Southlake Fire Department on June 17, 
2013. In little more than a year, he has made a difference in the lives 
of those around him numerous times. He and his colleague, Kevin Barry, 
stayed with fellow firefighter, Justin Speaker, and cared for him as he 
went through a medical tragedy and eventually passed away. Later they 
helped his family when they came to town to mourn and settle affairs.
  On another occasion, Mr. Casey was off duty and driving outside of 
Southlake with two other firefighters, Kyle Warden and Isaiah Gonzalez, 
when they approached an overturned and ablaze ATV. They sprang into 
action and gave medical attention to an 11 year old girl who had been 
trapped underneath it and found nearby with severe burns. They then 
accompanied the local paramedics who arrived afterward and continued to 
provide needed assistance. They have since visited her at Parkland 
Hospital's burn unit and have followed her recovery.
  Instances of Mr. Casey going out of his way to help others have also 
been noted in ways that would seem small but that made a world of 
difference to those whom he has touched. He was among three 
firefighters who helped Betty Hawthorne, a woman who was traveling and 
had pulled over at their station for help with her power window that 
would not roll up. Little did they know that she was coming from the 
funeral of a dear friend and lost many other loved ones that year. She 
was deeply distraught and was driving hours on a blistering hot day to 
see her grandson play in a baseball game. Along with Lieutenant 
Marshall Urbanosky and Engineer Tony Peyton, Casey successfully 
repaired her window. Their compassion left Betty with such an 
impression that she wrote a letter to the Fire Chief, describing the 
whole story with great gratitude.
  Southlake Fire Department Deputy Chief Wade Carroll, reflecting on 
Jon Casey, has written that he cannot ``help but think that his kind 
heart toward those in need has driven his career choice, his actions, 
and the actions of his friends. Because of people like [Jon] the fire 
service will continue to stand for showing the compassion of Christ to 
those in need.'' The City of Southlake will be most fortunate as Casey 
continues to devote himself to public service, both on and off duty.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to ask all of my distinguished colleagues 
to join me in congratulating Jon Casey on his well-earned community 
recognition for his exceptionally sacrificial and caring service as a 
member of the Southlake Fire Department.

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