[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 123 (Monday, July 25, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO TOM KUNTZ

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing Tom Kuntz of Carbon County for his unwavering dedication to 
the Red Lodge community and his 30 years of public service to the 
people of Montana through his selfless firefighting career.
  As a graduate from both the National Fire Academy Executive Fire 
Officers Program and Ithaca College, Tom brought his skills and passion 
to the Treasure State when he first moved to Montana in 1992 and began 
what would become a distinguished career in firefighting. He now serves 
as the chief of the Red Lodge Fire Department and has been an active 
leader in responding to the fires and natural disasters that have 
impacted the community over the years.
  Notably, Tom served as a key player in responding to the 24,000-acre 
Robertson Draw Fire that blazed through Carbon County in June of 2021. 
Roughly 1 year after the community faced the devastating wildfire, they 
were hit with historic flooding, which has wreaked havoc throughout the 
county. Referred to as ``the 500-year flood,'' the high waters have 
caused catastrophic damage to people's homes, properties, businesses, 
and public infrastructure. Tom acted swiftly, working on the frontlines 
to help mitigate the wreckage and help members of the Red Lodge 
community.
  Tom and his wife Eliza also serve the community through their various 
restaurant and hospitality businesses which have become staples in 
downtown Red Lodge and attract both locals and visitors from near and 
far. They also raised their two daughters to be involved in public 
service, and they regularly help out at the family businesses.
  It is my honor to recognize Tom Kuntz for his dedication to keeping 
the people of Red Lodge safe through a seemingly relentless series of 
natural disasters and for his many years of public service to the great 
State of Montana. Tom, thank you for all you do help our communities 
prosper and stay safe. You make Montana proud.

                          ____________________