[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               HONORING THE SMITHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2017

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
pause to thank and honor the Smithville Police Department for their 
efforts in serving Smithville following the March 6, 2017 tornado.
   The EF-2 rated tornado left a trail of destruction up to 1,000 feet 
wide and 18 miles long. In Smithville, over 60 houses were damaged with 
several completely destroyed, resulting in over 65 tons of debris. 
Miraculously, no injuries were sustained during the storm.
   After the storm, officers from the Smithville Police Department 
helped set up a perimeter, went door-to-door making sure residents were 
safe, and protected the neighborhood with a 24/7 presence in the days 
that followed. The effect of the police department on the neighborhoods 
affected by the tornado cannot be understated, whether through making 
the victims feel safe from scroungers or looters or by helping 
residents with their physical needs throughout the recovery.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the community of Smithville 
in thanking Chief Jason Lockridge and the officers and staff of the 
Smithville Police Department for their service following the March 6 
tornado and wishing them God's blessings and protection in the years to 
come.

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