[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 194 (Monday, November 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING CITY OF ST. HELENA EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
city employees of my hometown, St. Helena, California, for their 
bravery and service while protecting our community from the devastating 
Glass Fire. These first responders, public works employees, and civil 
servants rose to responsibilities well outside of their roles, 
exhibiting altruism and versatility in their efforts to protect our 
community in times of crisis.
  St. Helena is fortunate to have dedicated first responders to call 
upon when disaster strikes. Despite dangerous conditions, the men and 
women of the St. Helena Fire Department courageously battled the blaze 
for 23 continuous days. Working 12- and 24-hour shifts, they 
successfully defended our city from the wildfire. In coordination with 
the Fire Department's efforts, the St. Helena Police Department went 
door to door to notify residents of the mandatory evacuation orders. 
Officers, many of whom were displaced by the Glass Fire, worked night 
and day to ensure public safety by closing roads and escorting evacuees 
to collect their belongings.
  In addition to the heroes in St. Helena's emergency services, other 
city employees answered the call to safeguard our community. Six Public 
Works employees risked their lives to shield vital infrastructure at 
the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant and the Bell Canyon Reservoir 
from destruction, fighting flames in their street clothes alongside 
city and CalFire crews. Persevering through power outages and poor air 
quality, city workers across numerous city departments continued to 
work to meet critical needs in the face of disaster. These are only a 
few examples of the tremendous grit and commitment city employees 
showed during the emergency.
  Lastly, the city of St. Helena could not have gotten through this 
disaster without strong leaders at its helm. In particular, Fire Chief 
John Sorenson, Police Chief Chris Hartley, and City Manager Mark 
Prestwich distinguished themselves through their exemplary leadership 
and expertise in coordinating the city's response.
  Madam Speaker, during times of crisis, our citizens often look to 
their public servants for guidance and assistance. The employees of the 
City of St. Helena represent the very best in service, dedication, and 
selfless conviction to community. It is therefore fitting and proper 
that we honor them today.

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