[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 159 (Tuesday, September 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF SOUTH FLORIDA'S FIRST RESPONDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2020

  Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor South Florida's 
first responders, as they continue to serve our communities through 
these unprecedented times.
  As we all know too well, the World Health Organization declared 
COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. In response, many states 
and municipalities imposed restrictions and closures on business and 
individual activities to reduce the spread of the virus. Despite taking 
these drastic, yet necessary, steps, the virus struck South Florida 
much harder than other areas of the state.
  Putting themselves at great personal risk, our first responders have 
been the first line of defense for our communities during the COVID 
health crisis; even as they continued to fight fires, handle emergency 
health situations, and keep our communities safe.
  That is why I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our first 
responders, and their service and sacrifice to our communities. We owe 
them all a great debt of gratitude.

                          ____________________