[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    COMMENDING THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS WHO 
           PROVIDED HEROIC SERVICE DURING WINTER STORM JONAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 2016

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the selfless 
assistance provided by many of the volunteer fire department and public 
assistance agencies from southern and central Pennsylvania during the 
recent Winter Storm Jonas.
   While many of us sought shelter during the recent winter storm that 
struck the East Coast, some of us were not so fortunate, as was made 
evident by the miles and miles of cars that were stranded on the 
Pennsylvania Turnpike. Many of these travelers had gotten trapped on 
the turnpike as a number of crashes stopped traffic while a huge amount 
of snow fell. Fortunately for the beleaguered travelers, a number of 
local volunteer fire departments from the surrounding communities 
braved the weather to assist those in need.
   For the drivers stranded overnight, these volunteer emergency 
responders were the only ones who could reach the area to help. As snow 
continued to fall, these volunteers worked together to ensure the well-
being of those stranded by traveling car to car and offering supplies 
to many. To aid the cause, many local stores and restaurants 
contributed food and water to be distributed. It was truly a community 
effort.
   On behalf of the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and all 
of those who were assisted by the area's volunteers, I would like to 
thank these public servants for their selflessness. It is my honor to 
highlight this tremendous effort and its illustration of the neighborly 
commitment my constituents embody.
   To the volunteer organizations and governmental agencies listed 
below, we thank you for your generous dedication to serving the public:
   New Baltimore Vol. Fire Co.
   Shawnee Valley Vol. Fire Co.
   Shawnee Valley EMS
   Bedford Fire Co.
   Everett Fire Co.
   Breezewood Fire Co.
   Southern Cove Fire Co.
   Alum Bank Fire Co.
   Chestnut Ridge EMS
   Blue Knob Fire Co.
   Claysburg Fire Co.
   Martinsburg Fire Co.
   Imler Fire Co.
   Bedford American Legion
   Pa. National Guard
   SCMRTF Incident Management Team
   DCNR
   PEMA
   Pa. State Police
   Pa. Turnpike
   Somerset Co. EMA & 9-1-1
   Bedford County EMA & 9-1-1
   American Red Cross
   Salvation Army.

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