[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 136 (Friday, July 31, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E717-E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF MISSOURI'S FIRST RESPONDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICKY HARTZLER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2020

  Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Missouri's first 
responders who work selflessly to keep our communities safe. I am 
tremendously proud and grateful for the Police Officers, Firefighters, 
and Emergency Medical Professionals who leave their own families and 
put themselves in harm's way to take care of others. Emergency 
Dispatchers communicate with terrified victims, frantic witnesses, 
worried family members and suicidal citizens. They are a calming 
influence for everyone who calls . . . the reassuring, competent voices 
in the night that offer peace, assistance, and comfort.
  On any given day, first responders may be called to rescue someone 
from a burning building, break-up a vicious assault, settle a family 
dispute, or simply help a grandparent who has fallen. No matter what 
the situation demands . . . bravery, diplomacy, initiative, versatility 
or compassion . . . they provide exactly what is needed in that moment.
  Just like during tornados and floods, first responders are on the 
frontlines of today's COVID-19 crisis and they are being put in 
situations that were unfathomable just a few months ago. EMS workers 
are struggling to keep up with a dramatic increase in 9-1-1 calls while 
enduring shortages of protective equipment and frequent exposure to the 
virus. Police departments are fighting to keep the peace when large 
numbers of their workforce are in quarantine and morale is challenged 
by anti-police rhetoric dominating the national discourse. Fire 
departments are often understaffed, especially in rural areas, but that 
doesn't stop them from working tirelessly to keep communities safe amid 
volunteer shortages. And, emergency dispatchers don't have the option 
to work from home . . . they are managing an increase in call volume 
while working in close quarters, which prevents social distancing.
  Missouri's first responders embody the very best of the American 
spirit. With charity and

[[Page E718]]

compassion, these brave men and women regularly put the well-being of 
others before their own. Through their actions they are heroes . . . 
through their example they are role models for all of us to emulate.
  Madam Speaker, the current COVID-19 pandemic has presented Missouri's 
first responders with seemingly impossible challenges. Despite numerous 
obstacles, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical 
professionals and 9-1-1 dispatchers are showing up every day to care 
for their friends, neighbors, and communities. On behalf of a grateful 
community, I express my sincere thanks, and pray God blesses them all 
with peace and safety.

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