[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 145 (Tuesday, August 10, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6268-S6269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING FLORIDA'S LAW ENFORCEMENT

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
bravery and selfless service of the individuals who responded to the 
building collapse in Surfside, FL, on June 24, 2021.
  I want to thank Florida's brave law enforcement community for 
responding when the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, 
FL, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the night. They swiftly heeded 
the call of duty and came rushing in to save lives. In the face of 
tremendous tragedy, they ran into danger. They are heroes.
  Florida's law enforcement officers were on site within minutes of the 
collapse, and their rapid response saved lives. These brave men and 
women worked around the clock to support search and rescue efforts and 
provide protection and comfort to the entire Surfside community. They 
worked tirelessly, and they never gave up hope.
  I would also like to thank the law enforcement chaplains who did 
everything they could to support the needs of those responding to the 
collapse and

[[Page S6269]]

all of the families that were impacted by this tragedy. The chaplains 
were a source of comfort and ensured that the emotional and religious 
needs of families and first responders were met.
  The chaplains were instrumental in making sure families were 
constantly updated and that all of their questions were answered in 
both a timely and efficient manner, to the greatest extent possible. 
They provided as much transparency and kindness as they could during 
this unimaginable tragedy. We cannot thank them enough.
  Law enforcement teams worked to recover personal property and 
religious artifacts and followed careful collection protocols. They 
worked around the clock to ensure all recovered personal property and 
family heirlooms were treated with the utmost respect and with great 
consideration for faith traditions when recovering items of religious 
significance. So many came together, as one, in the relentless pursuit 
to save lives. We honor the precious lives lost and pay homage to loved 
ones and all those that have suffered immensely.
  Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to 
keep Floridians, and this was no exception. We can never thank them and 
their families enough for their bravery, self-sacrifice, and 
determination in the face of this terrible tragedy. Ann and I are 
praying for the Surfside community, our Jewish community, the families 
and loved ones of the lost, and all of those who worked tirelessly to 
serve the Surfside community.

                          ____________________