[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FIREFIGHTER AWARDS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 2021

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire, rescue 
and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people 
of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  First responders, fire departments and emergency medical service 
teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective 
communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and 
trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These 
brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they 
are prepared when they get ``the call.''
  Nine years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire 
and Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for 
outstanding achievement.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my 
privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this 
year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of 
current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district.
  Parrish Fire District Division Chief Michael Williamson was chosen 
for the Career Service Award.
  Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Morris Lopez; 
Captains Derek Butler, Michael Bugg, Erik Sawyer, and Brian Visnovec; 
Acting Captains Charles Bridges and Adam Brown; Firefighters Travis 
Poirier and Edward Kofler; Fire Medics Colin Tracey, Gilad Maimoni, 
Brandon Gadberry, Adam Schwer, Violet Anderson, Juanita Benjamin, Brian 
Johnson, and Ryan VanBuskirk; Lieutenants Joseph Blackwelder and Joshua 
Veeck; Driver Engineers Ralph Mascaro, Derek Wendt, Ayron Burden, 
Jerome Mancillas, Jeffrey Hartzner, Patrick Geiger; and Acting Driver 
Engineers Marc Dieth, Joshua Thompson, and Ryan Fritz; and Manatee 
Search and Rescue Deputy Chief John Elwood and K9 Karma, and Captain 
Michael Dvorak and K9 Max were chosen to receive the Unit Citation.
  Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Captain John Shirah and Driver 
Engineer Peter Dziubinski; Sarasota County Fire Department Lieutenant 
Randy Allen and Fire Medics Miriam Troyer, Andrew Moler, and Michael 
Alberti were chosen to receive the Preservation of Life Award.
  Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Kimberlee Rogers, 
Deputy Chief Jason Dougherty; Manatee Search Nicholas Reis; and Manatee 
County EMS Social Worker Sonia Shuhart were chosen for the Dedication 
and Professionalism Award.
  Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Terri Adams; 
Corporals William Barnes and Carlos Brito; and Deputies Keaton Bruce 
and Andrew Fleming; and Civilians Trexley and Bradley Cleophat were 
chosen for the Associate Service Award.

                          ____________________