[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 205 (Friday, December 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SCOTT DAVIDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 4, 2020

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, with feelings of sorrow, reverence, and 
immense gratitude, I rise today to honor the memory of Scott Davidson, 
who passed away last week after his battle with the coronavirus. As a 
proud member of the Kansas City Fire Department, Scott spent over a 
third of his life serving and protecting the people of Kansas City, 
Missouri.
  Scott started his career with the Kansas City Fire Department in 2002 
as a communication specialist with the Municipal Ambulance Services 
Trust, which provided emergency medical services to the Kansas City 
area. As a communication specialist, Scott served as the calming voice 
on the other side of the phone tasked with reassuring distressed 
families that help was on the way. Scott's calm demeanor and steady 
hand provided much needed hope in moments of darkness. Indeed, Scott 
helped ease worried minds, but more importantly, he played a vital role 
in saving countless lives throughout the city we call home. In 2010, 
Scott became a paramedic for the Department, joining a team that served 
as the first response to desperate cries for help. Each individual who, 
in a moment of crisis, called on Scott for help will forever remember 
and appreciate his heroic, lifesaving efforts as he sprang into action 
at a moment's notice. For Scott, as with countless paramedics across 
the country, saving lives and offering hope was the inspiration that 
prompted him to raise his hand and volunteer to risk his life for his 
community. In the days leading up to his untimely death, he was still 
on the frontlines, dispatching first responders to help those stricken 
by the same deadly virus that would eventually claim his own life.
  More than anything, Scott was a man of faith who was a joy to all 
those who met him. Described by those who worked with him as having a 
personality and heart that was larger than life, Scott and his wife, 
Robin, treated the firefighters at Station 33 as if they were members 
of their own family. Together they celebrated the birth of every child 
in their fire station family, provided baked goods and treats to those 
working at the station during the holidays, and mourned with the 
families of other first responders who gave their lives in the line of 
duty.
  Jackson County, Missouri has seen 175 neighbors, friends, and family 
members die from this virus. Scott, Captain Robert Rocha, and EMT Billy 
Birmingham are the first three of Kansas City's finest first responders 
who have succumbed to Coronavirus while helping save others. Scott 
dedicated over a third of his life to serving Kansas City and its 
people. My fervent hope is that Scott's death will serve as a reminder 
that we must stand together in the face of the adversity that plagues 
us. Wearing a protective mask, social distancing, and getting tested 
not only protects you from getting sick; it also ensures that first 
responders like Scott can go home to their families at the end of the 
day without worrying whether they or their loved ones will get sick. In 
times of unforeseen tragedy, I am comforted by the teachings of Isaiah 
the prophet: When the righteous man perishes, he is taken away from 
calamity and enters into peace. A loving father, a dutiful public 
servant, and a beloved community member, Scott has rightfully earned 
the eternal peace that is awarded to the righteous man.
  The thoughts of the Kansas City community and the Fifth Congressional 
District are with Robin and their three children, Scott's extended 
family, and the innumerable Kansas City Fire Department employees who 
were fortunate enough to work with him. Our community is mourning the 
untimely death of a young father, but we are also celebrating a life 
dedicated to serving and saving others. Madam Speaker, please join me 
in honoring Scott's legacy and offering our deepest condolences to his 
family. I also ask that you, other members of the House of 
Representatives, and the American people remember Scott and his 
family's sacrifice as we continue to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

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