[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CAPTAIN RAY SPRADLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Captain Ray Spradlin for his exceptional public service to the people 
of the city of Santa Rosa and the State of California, and to honor his 
retirement after 38 years as a fireman.
  Captain Ray Spradlin was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended 
Petaluma High School from 1977 to 1981 and graduated from Santa Rosa 
Junior College in 1984. Since then, he has dedicated his career to 
serving the community around him, often while it was at its lowest 
point. He rose through the ranks of the California Department of 
Forestry and Fire Protection and the Santa Rosa Fire Department, 
earning the respect of those around him. As captain, he used the 
knowledge and expertise gained from his years of experience to both 
lead his colleagues in protecting members of the public and ensuring a 
safer working environment for the people around him. He will continue 
to dedicate his life to protecting fellow first responders even after 
his retirement through his work with Worldwide Safety Solutions.
  Throughout his career, Captain Spradlin has been recognized for his 
hard work and commitment to fighting for the people around him. He was 
honored at the 2010 Sonoma County Paramedic Associate Survivors Union 
for providing life-saving treatment to Yessenia Cruz, who would have 
died if it were not for the quick actions of Captain Spradlin. This 
recognition is just one example of countless heroic actions taken by 
Captain Spradlin to protect his community. More recently, Captain 
Spradlin served on the front lines during the Tubbs Fire in 2017, 
working tirelessly for days to fight that devastating disaster.
  Madam Speaker, Captain Ray Spradlin represents the type of fine 
citizen that we should all strive to be. His career has been dedicated 
to protecting both his community and his fellow first responders. It is 
therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

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