[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 10, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING HALEY STEVENSON FOR BEING THE FIRST FEMALE FIREFIGHTER 
            IN THE HISTORY OF THE GALESBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2022

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate City of 
Galesburg Firefighter Haley Stevenson on being sworn in as the first 
female firefighter in the history of the Galesburg Fire Department.
  Growing up in Galesburg, Illinois, Haley Stevenson was enamored with 
the prospect of one day becoming a firefighter. Her father, retired 
Galesburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Brad Stevenson, was her role 
model, an admirable individual who served with honor. As she progressed 
through life, she continued to apply herself with diligence as she 
strived toward this goal, despite the Department never having had a 
female firefighter before her. On May 2, 2022, that changed when 
Stevenson was sworn into the Galesburg Fire Department at 22 years old. 
Firefighter Stevenson's father taught her how to pass the written test 
and oral interview. She also handily passed the physical agility test 
on her way to fulfilling her lifelong dream. Firefighter Stevenson is a 
trailblazer. Her presence in the Department will serve as a constant 
reminder to her peers and community to be unafraid of breaking 
barriers.
  It is because of selfless leaders such as Firefighter Haley Stevenson 
that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional 
District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally recognize 
Firefighter Haley Stevenson on being sworn in as the first female 
firefighter in Galesburg Fire Department history.

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