[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 2, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E267-E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD ``RICK'' D. DeGRAW

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KYRSTEN SINEMA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2016

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
an Arizona political legend, a recognized business leader, an advocate 
for worker's rights and a dedicated

[[Page E268]]

husband and father. Richard ``Rick'' DeGraw has been a fixture in 
Arizona public service for three decades, working for Governor Bruce 
Babbitt, the Arizona Legislature and the Maricopa County Community 
College District.
  Mr. DeGraw is now retiring after serving as the Executive Vice 
President and Chief Administrative Officer at CopperPoint Mutual 
Insurance Company, Arizona's largest provider of worker's compensation 
insurance. Mr. DeGraw came to CopperPoint in 2006 to create and oversee 
the Communications and Public Affairs Division. In this role he oversaw 
the successful rebranding of the company and was responsible for the 
Legal Division, Human Resources, Facilities, Real Estate Operations, 
Security, Public Affairs, Legislative Affairs, Community Development, 
Corporate Outreach and Executive Administration and Support.
  In addition to his more than full-time job, Mr. DeGraw spearheaded 
the effort to build a memorial honoring the 119 fallen firefighters and 
paramedics who have died in the line of duty in Arizona. Mr. DeGraw has 
long been an advocate and friend to the Professional Fire Fighters of 
Arizona, even earning their coveted award of Honorary Fire Fighter many 
years ago, one of only ten individuals in the State of Arizona to earn 
the title.
  Mr. DeGraw has been an advisor and a mentor for generations of 
Arizona elected officials and their staff on both sides of the aisle. 
He has worked on over 100 political campaigns and is credited with 
helping create true political change in Phoenix and across Arizona. Mr. 
DeGraw is also a social worker and served as a pastor and a Chaplain in 
his youth. I can personally attest to Rick's political genius, calming 
warmth, and dedication to public service. I am proud to call him my 
friend and I know he will continue to bring positive change to our 
community for many years to come.

                          ____________________