[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 194 (Monday, November 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING ROBERT ``BOBBY'' SMITH FOR 34 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2020

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert ``Bobby'' 
Smith for more than three decades of service to our country, our state, 
and our community. A U.S. Navy veteran and leader in emergency 
management, Mr. Smith's public service has spanned more than 34 years.
  Mr. Smith began his career in 1985 as a Telecommunicator and 
Emergency Medical Technician for Guilford County Emergency Medical 
Services. Over his career in public service he has also served as a 
firefighter, hazardous materials technician, rescue technician, fire 
inspector, and Chief Fire Investigator. During his work in Emergency 
Management he has developed, tested, and implemented numerous response, 
recovery, mitigation, preparedness and continuity plans, and has been 
an integral part of emergency operations during national events and 
disasters. Today, he retires as Director of Emergency Management and 
Fire Services for Cabarrus County.
  Over the years, Mr. Smith has proven to be a strong and effective 
leader and our region is better and more prepared due to his work. He 
has served as Unified Incident Commander during the ongoing coronavirus 
pandemic; coordinated response to a number of declared natural 
disasters; served as a member of the Domestic Preparedness Region (DPR 
7) Committee, North Carolina Emergency Management Association 
Legislative Committee, and Rowan Cabarrus Community College Emergency 
Management Advisory Committee; and worked closely with the Local 
Emergency Planning Committee to develop emergency response 
infrastructure for local businesses.
  An exemplary public servant, Mr. Smith represents the best our nation 
has to offer and we will look up to his leadership for generations to 
come. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are 
truly grateful for his tireless service and cannot thank him enough. I 
would like to offer my most heartfelt appreciation and wish him a long 
and happy retirement.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Robert ``Bobby'' 
Smith for his 34 years of public service.

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