[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 62 (Saturday, April 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING RICK OATES AS HE IS RECOGNIZED BY THE CITY OF TONAWANDA COMMON 
                                COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Saturday, April 8, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
career and accomplishments of a distinguished public servant, Richard 
Oates, as he is recognized by the City of Tonawanda Common Council. 
Officer Oates is a fire police officer and Associate Chaplain of the 
Tonawanda Fire Department, as well as the Exchange Club Fire Fighter of 
the Year Recipient of 2017.
   Officer Oates entered the Volunteer Division of the Tonawanda Fire 
Department in 2007 and received his New York State Peace Officer 
status. He has also been an integral member of the Chaplain Corps, made 
up of lay chaplains who serve as both first responders and chaplains. 
This position shows Officer Oates' commitment to helping people of his 
community.
   Officer Oates has been critically helpful in many emergency 
situations, not just as a responder but as a community asset to those 
affected by the emergency. There are countless stories of Officer Oates 
going beyond the call of duty to serve. One such story is when Officer 
Oates comforted the daughter of a victim receiving CPR by first 
responders.
   An extremely devoted citizen, Officer Oates is dedicated to giving 
back to his community past his volunteer service. Oates leads the 
organization of regular Red Cross Blood Drives at the fire hall, even 
starting the bi-monthly free meals for donors to incentivize community 
members to give. Recently, he has organized two very successful blood 
drives in memory of Jed Woomer, a local cancer victim.
   Beyond his service, Oates is a very dedicated husband, father, and 
son. He is married to Rhoda Oates and they have seven children 
together: Annabeth, Christa Mae, Rebecca, Charlotte, Jenna, Andrew, and 
the newest addition, Louie. He is also very committed to his faith and 
lives his life in a devoted manner through his work.
   Mr. Speaker, I honor a hard-working, tireless public servant who has 
spent his life helping the people of Tonawanda. The Tonawanda community 
and I are thankful for Officer Oates' many years of service and wish 
him all the best in his future endeavors.

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