[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2021

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor 
the Thornton Fire Department in Thornton Colorado for earning the 2021 
Congressional Fire Service Institute's Masimo Excellence in Fire 
Service-Based EMS Award, which is given annually to the top fire 
department in the country.
  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thornton Fire Department has 
gone above and beyond to serve their community. As part of their 
efforts, they created a Pandemic Response Team that has conducted over 
20,000 COVID tests for public employees, senior citizens, first 
responders, and other community members. When vaccines became 
available, the Pandemic Response Team expanded their services to 
administer over 80,000 vaccinations at drive-thru sites for city 
employees and other members of the community. The Pandemic Response 
Team's success has led other fire agencies from around the country to 
look to Thornton as a model for how to effectively respond to the 
challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  In a very difficult year for fire and emergency services, the 
Thornton Fire Department's innovative approach to a rapidly changing 
public health crisis has been crucial in saving lives and protecting 
the broader Thornton community. I extend my deepest appreciation to the 
first responders of the Thornton Fire Department for their dedication 
and outstanding service to their community.

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