[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BACKUP IS COMING FOR HOUSTON'S FIRST RESPONDERS

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Harvey pushed Houston first-
responders to the limit. While groups like the Cajun Navy and other 
private citizens provided invaluable support to the Houston community 
in helping with emergency relief, peace officers and firefighters were 
underequipped to deal with the massive flooding that displaced 
thousands from their homes. With only old and decrepit boats at their 
disposal, they were forced to conscript canoes and kayaks.
   To put it simply, they needed more boats.
   The Houston Fire Department requested 20 boats from the city to help 
bolster their water rescue fleet, but the city was strapped for cash 
and could not feasibly pay for 20 boats on their own. Luckily, one 
group decided to step up and help.
   The 100 Club donated 14 new rescue boats to first responders in 
Houston and Harris County. The group gave the Houston Police Department 
and the Harris County Sheriff's Office five boats each and the Houston 
Fire Department four. This will provide a much-needed boost to the 
fleets of these departments, who are now only in need of just a handful 
of boats from the city.
   The 100 Club has a history of helping Houston's finest. The 
organization has provided millions of dollars in financial aid to the 
families of fallen officers, scholarships and grants to officers and 
fire fighters, and equipment for first responders. After observing the 
water rescue efforts during the hurricane, the group began conversing 
with the authorities in Houston, who all highlighted the need for more 
rescue boats.
   Mr. Speaker, our first responders provided invaluable assistance to 
the Houston community during and after Hurricane Harvey, despite their 
lack of equipment. After all, the tools do not make the man. But the 
gracious donation by the 100 Club will allow these selfless individuals 
to serve their communities more effectively. The generosity shown is 
just another example of why the greatest people on earth live in 
America: they will always help each other.
   And that is just the way it is.

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