[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 7, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H3464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      RECOGNIZING FIRST RESPONDERS

  (Mr. SCHNEIDER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer appreciation to the 
incredible first responders in my congressional district.
  Twice in as many weeks, our firefighters, police, and paramedics have 
been called to respond to serious emergencies in Lake County.
  On Thursday, April 25, a massive spill of anhydrous ammonia outside 
of Beach Park sent 37 individuals to the hospital, including 11 
firefighters who sustained injuries from the toxic fumes while 
containing the site.
  In particular, the quick action of two Lake County sheriff deputies--
Sergeant Kyle Brown and Deputy Marcus Bernardy--and four Beach Park 
firefighters--Lieutenant Thomas Stahl and firefighter paramedics Pablo 
Ramirez, Matthew Baran, and Ben Newman--helped save the lives of five 
individuals trapped at the site and struggling to breathe.
  Just days later, on Friday, May 3, a catastrophic explosion erupted 
at a silicone plant in Waukegan, tragically claiming three lives. A 
search continues for one missing individual. I offer my condolences to 
the loved ones of Jeff Cummings, Byron Biehn, and Allen Stevens.
  While we are still gathering details, it is clear the prompt response 
of emergency professionals helped save others and extinguish the fires. 
In both situations, local responders rushed selflessly into danger to 
save others.
  These events exemplify the incredible professionalism and bravery of 
our first responders who put their lives on the line day in and day out 
to protect our communities. We are all incredibly grateful for their 
service.

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