[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 82 (Friday, May 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE WAUKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing the men and women of the 
Waukee Fire Department in Waukee, Iowa as this week's Iowans of the 
Week.
  The firefighters and paramedics of the Waukee Fire Department are an 
integral part of the Waukee community, and their dedication to 
protecting the health and safety of those they serve is nothing short 
of exemplary. That dedication is just as evident in the Waukee Fire 
Department's community engagement efforts. They're a frequent face 
visiting local schools, leading fire station tours, and hosting 
engaging, educational children's birthday parties at the fire station. 
I am grateful that our children have these hardworking men and women to 
look up to as role models.
   Right now, Iowa's police, fire, and emergency services personnel are 
continuing to provide essential services in their communities as Iowans 
stay home during the coronavirus outbreak. I know that this adjustment 
can make folks feel apart from their neighbors, especially in close-
knit communities like Waukee.
  But that's not stopping the Waukee Fire Department. Thanks to the 
creativity and imagination of Lieutenant Tony Clemen, the department is 
finding a new way to get out in the community. They're bringing the 
birthday party--the fire truck, lights and all--to the children; they 
even play ``Happy Birthday'' over the truck's loudspeaker. Needless to 
say, the idea's been a hit with kids and parents alike.
  And now the community is joining in. On one recent visit, the Waukee 
Fire Department met up with locals before making a birthday visit. 
Together, they formed a birthday procession over twenty cars long, 
honking and waving to neighborhood kids along the way. I'm so glad that 
Iowans are coming together to spread much-needed joy and smiles as we 
work to slow the spread of coronavirus together.
  Our firefighters across Iowa are responding to emergency calls across 
our great state. I know many of our firefighters don't have the 
protective equipment they need, like face masks, to protect themselves 
during this COVID-19 outbreak. As our firefighters work to protect our 
communities, I will work to protect our firefighters and ensure they 
can get the essential equipment, protecting, training, and assistance 
they need.
  The men and women of the Waukee Fire Department are truly making a 
difference in their community, especially during these challenging 
times. I could not be more thankful for their hard work and service, 
and I ask the House to join me in recognizing them as Iowans of the 
Week.

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