[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H227-H228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING AND REMEMBERING SHIRLEY WATERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Tenney) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Mrs. 
Shirley Waters of Rome, New York, for her outstanding leadership and 
service.
  Sadly, Mrs. Waters passed away this December at the age of 100, 
leaving a legacy of service whose impact is felt throughout our entire 
area.
  Shirley and her late husband, George Waters, have been devoted 
pillars of our community. The Waters family has owned and published the 
Rome Daily Sentinel newspaper since 1928. Shirley served as the vice 
president until her retirement in 2012.

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  Our family also published a newspaper in central New York, and I have 
always been inspired by Shirley's endless energy, good humor, and, yes, 
strong opinions on many subjects--a woman after my own heart.

                              {time}  1100

  I have also always been inspired by Shirley's tenacity and commitment 
to informing our community with depth and integrity, something that the 
Rome Daily Sentinel has always done throughout its history.
  In addition to being a publisher, Shirley was a beloved mother of 
five who was active in her church and a member of our local artist 
community. Shirley's paintings hang in galleries in our region and live 
on to evoke wonder and inspire serenity to so many.
  Shirley was also an honored member of the Order of Saint Barbara, as 
well as an honorary member of the Northeast Air Defense Sector. Shirley 
even helped secure the B-52 bomber displayed in Rome at the entrance to 
the former Griffiss Air Force Base, which she obtained from the 
national B-52 museum committee.
  On behalf of our community and those in the news business who are 
committed to serving the public as true members of the fourth estate, 
we are grateful to Shirley Waters for being our standard-bearer. We are 
also grateful to her for her distinguished service to our community 
beyond her role as a newspaper publisher.
  Her legacy will continue to live on in so many important ways, from 
the great newspaper she leaves, the Rome Daily Sentinel, to her work 
which she also loved, to her works of art that are exhibited throughout 
our region, and her strong belief in our region's greatness and 
history.
  My deepest condolences to the Waters family on the loss of this 
wonderful, venerable wife, mother, grandmother, and tenacious community 
leader with a wonderful sense of humor.


                   Recognition of Trooper Kevin Beach

  Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rome Police Chief 
Kevin Beach who will retire at the end of January after an incredible 
career and true devotion to public service.
  Kevin first joined the Rome Police Department in September of 1994, 
following in his father's footsteps. Kevin's father, Bruce, also served 
the department for many years. Kevin showed leadership early on the job 
and was promoted quickly to the rank of detective after only 6 years.
  In 2005, Kevin was appointed detective commander and then deputy 
chief in 2007. In 2008, he was appointed as the youngest police chief 
in the history of the city of Rome.
  At just 36, Kevin had served the department for only 14 years but was 
picked for the top spot because of his exemplary track record and 
strong leadership skills. Kevin's hard work, dedication, and love for 
the city was evident every day he was on the job.
  During his tenure as chief, the department introduced community 
programs such as Shop with a Cop, Law Enforcement Day, and the creation 
of a Community Impact Unit. Kevin has also successfully navigated the 
department through difficult times through the COVID-19 pandemic and 
the national defund the police movement.
  Kevin, thank you for your lifetime of service and commitment to the 
city of Rome. We are grateful for your devotion to service on behalf of 
your community. I also want to thank you for your friendship and sage 
counsel to me and so many others during your important work as our 
chief. May you enjoy a productive and healthy retirement.


                  Recognition of Trooper David Draudt

  Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, it is often said that law enforcement 
officers work for a cause, not applause. This is certainly true and 
today I would like to recognize a trooper from the southern tier of New 
York's 22nd district who deserves our applause.
  Trooper David Draudt went to work on the morning of November 29 with 
the intent to protect and serve. Yet, on that day Trooper Draudt not 
only protected and served his community, but he also called on his 
extensive training to courageously save the life of an unresponsive 2-
year-old boy who had choked himself into unconsciousness. Trooper 
Draudt didn't lace up his boots that morning intent on saving a life. 
But that is exactly what he did.
  Law enforcement officers do not have the opportunity of choosing who 
or what they encounter each day. They rely on their training and their 
knowledge and their experiences to respond with honor, courage, and 
integrity and, of course, compassion to whatever situation may arise. 
On November 29, that is exactly what Trooper Draudt did.
  Today, our cause is applause; applause not just for Trooper Draudt 
who saved the life of a child, but to all who answer the call to serve.

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