[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   FLORIDA 16TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL FIRE AND RESCUE AND EMS AWARDS

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2019

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fire and 
Rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the 
people of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service 
teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective 
communities. Often times, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and 
trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These 
brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they 
are prepared when they get ``the call.''
  In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and 
Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments and units for 
outstanding achievement.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my 
privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this 
year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of 
current and retired Fire and Rescue personnel living in the district:
  Lt. Ryan Anusbigian of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and 
Captain Thomas ``Mike'' Bloski of the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue 
District were chosen to receive the Dedication and Professionalism 
Award.
  Deputy Tyler Ackerman, Deputy Timothy Collins and Deputy Brian Hart 
of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office were chosen to receive the 
Preservation of Life Associate Service Award.
  Donald O'Leary, Retired Commissioner of the East Manatee Fire Rescue 
District and the New York City Fire Department was chosen to receive 
the Career Service Award.
  Manatee County EMS Ambulance Strike Team 601 was chosen to receive 
the Unit Citation Award. This unit is comprised of the following 
personnel: District Chief Mark Regis, Charge Paramedic Richard Johnson, 
Charge Paramedic Erwin Evelyne, Charge Paramedic William Cheek, Charge 
Paramedic Nick Horvath, Charge Paramedic Beth Harmount, Community 
Paramedic Earl Kulpa, Paramedic Dominick Reale and EMT Justin Woods.

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