[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 152 (Thursday, September 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       16TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL FIRE AND RESCUE AND EMS AWARDS

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2017

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire and rescue 
and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people 
of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service 
teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective 
communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and 
trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These 
brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they 
are prepared when they get ``the call.''
  In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and 
Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for 
outstanding achievement.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my 
privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this 
year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of 
current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district.
  Manatee County Community Paramedicine Program was chosen to receive 
the Congressional Unit Citation Award.
  Training Officer Christopher Stark of the Hillsborough County Fire 
Rescue was chosen to receive the Congressional Dedication and 
Professionalism Award.
  Chief Dennis Jones of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was chosen 
to receive the Congressional Career Service Award.
  Division Chief-Fire Marshal Tammy Zurla was chosen to receive the 
Congressional Dedication and Professionalism Award.

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