[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E821-E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE PANA FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
courageous members of the Pana Fire Department and congratulate them on 
being awarded the Firefighter Excellence Unit Citation Award at the 
Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor 
Awards Ceremony in May.
  Chief Rodney Bland and the firefighters from the Pana Fire Department 
were recognized for their actions in responding to a house fire in 
April of 2017. After responding to a call and being told that two 
children were trapped in the house, firefighters made multiple attempts 
to enter the second floor and

[[Page E822]]

save the children before a fire engine arrived on the scene and without 
breathing equipment.
  The firefighters continued to attack the blaze, but were forced to 
leave the building due to deteriorating conditions in the house. 
Although they were unable to save the children, the team from the Pana 
Fire Department displayed bravery, heroism, and selflessness throughout 
their actions that day.
  I'm proud to recognize their efforts and the citation they received 
earlier this month. To the members of the Pana Fire Department, and all 
the first responders across the country, I thank them for all that they 
do to protect us and keep us safe.

                          ____________________