[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E429-E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIVES AND SERVICE OF ELWOOD, INDIANA FIREFIGHTERS KYLE 
                       HIBST AND DAVID WITTKAMPER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 11, 2018

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I 
rise today to honor the lives of two outstanding public servants, 
Madison County volunteer firefighters Kyle Hibst and David Wittkamper 
who lost their lives in a plane crash on April 2, 2018. Kyle and David 
both were active members in their community and served as volunteer 
firefighters with the Pipe Creek Township.
  The Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department was established in 
1960 and is located in Elwood, Indiana. The department is all-volunteer 
and provides fire and rescue protection to more than 4,000 residents of 
Pipe Creek Township. As volunteer firefighters, Kyle and David donated 
their time to provide emergency services for Pipe Creek Township. Being 
a volunteer firefighter is not for the faint of heart. Those who answer 
the call of duty are motivated by a sense of pride in their community. 
The dedication and service of volunteer firefighters across Indiana is 
essential to the safety of our communities.
  A life-long Hoosier, Kyle graduated from Elwood Community High School 
in 2005 and began a career in public service in 2011, when he joined 
the Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his 
work at the fire department, Kyle was the owner of Anytime Fitness in 
Elwood and also an area field manager for U-Haul. Kyle and his wife 
Kimberley, were married for four years. Kyle was a beloved husband and 
a devoted father who enjoyed spending time outdoors with his son, 
Grayson, and watching Notre Dame Football. In addition to his wife and 
son, Kyle is survived by his parents; Frederick and Rebecca Hibst; his 
two sisters, Kirsten Hibst and Kacie Johns, and many other loving 
family members.

[[Page E430]]

  Raised in a family of public servants, David followed the legacy of 
his father and grandfather by becoming a firefighter in the same 
department where they had both served. David graduated from Indiana 
Christian Academy, in Anderson, and joined the Pipe Creek Township 
Volunteer Fire Department in May 2007, serving selflessly for 11 years. 
David was even training to become an EMT to expand his role within his 
community. When David wasn't volunteering, he worked as a fork lift 
operator at Red Gold in Elwood. David and his wife Autumn were married 
for 5 years; she was his soulmate. In addition to his wife, David is 
survived by his parents, Melvin and Darlene Wittkamper; sister, Megan 
(husband Chad) Welsh; brother, Devin Wittkamper, and many other loving 
family members.
  Kyle and David will be forever missed by their families as well as 
their colleagues and friends in Elwood and at the Pipe Creek Township 
Volunteer Fire Department. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional 
District are grateful for Kyle's and David's service to our Hoosier 
community and it is my privilege to honor them today. On behalf of all 
Hoosiers, I would like to recognize Kyle and David for their impact and 
service to our community. I extend my deepest condolences to Kyle and 
David's families, the Pipe Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, 
their friends, and their fellow volunteer firefighters who mourn their 
loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

                          ____________________