[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE CLAY COUNTY PARK RANGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            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 Clay County Park Rangers 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 Clay County Park Rangers helped 
set up a perimeter, went door-to-door making sure residents were safe, 
and helped protect the neighborhood with a 24/7 presence in the days 
that followed. The effect of the rangers 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 Interim Park Security Manager John Davis and the rangers 
and staff of the Clay County Park Rangers 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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