[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 195 (Friday, December 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF FAIRPLAY, PARK COUNTY, COLORADO

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                            HON. JOE NEGUSE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 6, 2019

  Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, each and every day, across America our 
fellow community members find opportunities to be of service to one 
another. These small acts of heroism, pinnacles of our values and 
ideals as Americans, are far too frequently lost in the rapidity of our 
society.
  I would like to take a moment to draw attention to one of those small 
acts of heroism in the town of Fairplay in Park County, Colorado.
  In a small mountain town of just 762 people, nearly 750 people were 
stranded last Friday and Saturday after snow, wind, and low visibility 
made travel impossible. At the height of the post-Thanksgiving travel 
rush, with their town's limited shelter resources strained to breaking, 
the people of Fairplay jumped to action to ensure safety and comfort 
for all those who could not continue their travels. Hotel operators 
housed people in every space possible; churches opened their stores of 
food to ensure no one went hungry; neighbors went door-to-door to 
gather blankets and supplies; transportation authorities brought 
vehicles abandoned on the highways to the town and reconnected drivers 
to their cars. In the end, everyone remained safe and sheltered. This 
is the type of hospitality and generosity that makes Park County and 
Colorado such an incredible place.
  This year I am grateful for citizens like these in Park County, and 
throughout our nation, who remind us during this holiday season of the 
essential goodness of people.

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