[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 188 (Thursday, November 29, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            WELCOMING CLEBURNE FIREFIGHTER KRIS WATSON HOME

  (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to speak 
about a courageous Texan who is a part of the Cleburne Fire Department 
in the district that I represent, Lieutenant Kris Watson.
  We all have been closely watching the recent fires in California that 
have been catastrophic to families and businesses. Thousands of 
buildings, including homes, were scorched in the blaze, and at least 85 
people lost their lives. I cannot imagine what the California community 
is going through, and my heart breaks for them.
  While these fires were treacherous and unpredictable, our very own 
Cleburne firefighter, Lieutenant Watson, was one of 200 Texan 
firefighters who answered the call for help. He selflessly went into 
harm's way and put his life on the line to save others. This man is a 
true hero, and I am humbled to speak about him today on the House floor 
in front of my colleagues and the Nation.
  Even though the fires have finally calmed down, the effects will be 
felt for years to come, and it is important to let our friends in 
California know that we are with them and that we will continue to keep 
them in our thoughts and our prayers.
  I am happy to report that Kris made it back to Cleburne safely last 
week. Everyone in Texas' 25th District is proud of our fellow Texan, 
and I thank him for his valor.
  May God bless the Cleburne Fire Department and God bless the people 
of California.
  In God we Trust.

                          ____________________