[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING 1 OCTOBER FIRST RESPONDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2017

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the on-call and off-
duty first responders whose training, instincts, and valor saved lives 
and prevented further tragedy on October 1st in Las Vegas.
   Southern Nevada's police, firefighters, and medical professionals 
rushed into gunfire, suppressed an active shooter, and prepared the 
community for its recovery. As bullets rained down and innocent victims 
lay in need of assistance, crews from Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, 
Henderson, and Clark County entered a situation without hesitation, 
despite knowing few details about the scope of the attack. Off-duty 
officials who attended the concert went from enjoying a night of music 
to selflessly acting under fire.
   Amid the report of firearms, the whiz of bullets, and the screams of 
horror, first responders risked their lives to shield the helpless, 
provide medical assistance, and secure an area that was the target of 
an unspeakable event.
   Their service did not stop after the shooting. Many went home for a 
few minutes to change their blood-soaked clothes and hug their family 
members. Then they returned to a grieving community. Not all of Las 
Vegas' heroes were lucky enough to go back to their families. Some, 
like Las Vegas Metro Police Officer Charles Hartfield, lost their 
lives. Others left the scene with gunshot wounds and various injuries. 
They were all Nevada's Guardian Angels that night. Those heroes and 
their family members cannot be thanked enough for their service and 
sacrifices.
   Likewise, our ambulance services, American Medical Response and 
Community Ambulance, not only assisted the injured on the scene but 
rapidly transported hundreds to local hospitals. Our two trauma 
centers, designed to accommodate a fraction of the patients they 
received in the hours after the shooting, were able to treat a nonstop 
flow of victims. Our charities immediately set up blood drives and 
other donation centers to meet the needs of victims. On their own 
accord, good Samaritans opened their car doors to fleeing concertgoers, 
turned their belts into tourniquets, and imparted countless acts of 
kindness in the hours and days following the tragedy.
   Through it all we were guided by the leadership of LVMPD Sheriff Joe 
Lombardo, LVMPD Undersheriff Kevin McMahill, Clark County Fire Chief 
Greg Cassell, University Medical Center CEO Mason VanHouweling, Sunrise 
Hospital CEO Todd Sklamberg, and Special Agent Aaron Rouse of the Las 
Vegas FBI.
   These were among the first Nevadans to take action on October 1st. 
They have had sleepless nights, skipped meals, and borne the weight of 
the world on their shoulders. Thanks to their guidance and sacrifice, 
the community has been able to mourn and recuperate in peace. On behalf 
of Nevada's First Congressional District, I want to thank these leaders 
and all the local heroes who jeopardized their own lives to make sure 
that so many in Southern Nevada would be able to face a new day.
   They made Las Vegas Strong.

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