[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    FLORIDA'S 16TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FIRE AND RESCUE EMS AWARDS

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                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2022

  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. Often times, 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.''
  Ten 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:
  Manatee County EMS Paramedic Lydia Wilkinson for the Preservation of 
Life Award.
  Manatee County EMS Charge Paramedic Karleigh Alday for the 
Preservation of Life Award.
  Manatee County EMS District Chief Jason Evans for the Dedication and 
Professionalism Award.
  Manatee County EMS Charge Paramedic Joe Savasta for the Preservation 
of Life Award and the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
  Manatee County EMS Paramedic Carlos Santos for the Preservation of 
Life Award and the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
  Parrish Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Ownbey for the Career Service 
Award.
  Cedar Hammock Fire Inspector Adam Chrisman for the Dedication and 
Professionalism Award.
  Hillsborough County Fire Captain Kevin Kahmeyer for the Dedication 
and Professionalism Award.
  Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Shift Commander Gil Reyes for the 
Career Service Award.
  Manatee County EMS Operations Chief Larry Luh for the Career Service 
Award.
  Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Marshall Ray Hansen for 
the Career Service Award.
  East Manatee Fire Lieutenant Steve Baker, Firefighter Larry White and 
Firefighter Michael Guard for the Unit Citation Award.

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