[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE SERVICE OF NORTH COUNTRY LEADER MAX THWAITS III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the 
incredible life of Max Thwaits III. Mr. Thwaits dedicated his entire 
life to serving his country and the Essex County community.
  Mr. Thwaits graduated AuSable Valley Senior High School in 2001 and 
joined the United States Navy following the 9/11 attacks. For over four 
years, Mr. Thwaits served as a Damage Controlman in Norfolk, Virginia. 
After leaving the Navy, Thwaits turned his attention towards his 
community and dedicated his life to working for the Essex County Office 
of Emergency Services (OES).
  In 2007, Thwaits joined the Essex County Emergency Services as a 
public safety dispatcher. He was subsequently promoted to assistant 
director and 911 coordinator in 2019. Last July, Thwaits was named OES 
Director in a promotion that was celebrated by first responders all 
over Essex County.
  During all his years at OES, Thwaits simultaneously volunteered with 
fire and ambulance companies in AuSable Forks and Jay. He was assistant 
chief with the Jay Volunteer Fire Department and named their 
Firefighter of the Year in 2015. While president of the AuSable Forks 
Ambulance Service, Thwaits received the regional leadership award for 
Emergency Medical Services. In addition to his numerous community 
responsibilities, Thwaits also served as an Intelligence Liaison 
Officer for the Department of Homeland Security.
  Mr. Thwaits served as a mentor and leader to all those he worked 
with, and he will be dearly missed by his community. His life is a 
glowing example of everything that is good about selfless service in 
the North Country. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his 
partner, Lori Kilburn, his children, his parents, and everyone who had 
the pleasure of knowing him. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional 
District, it is my honor to remember and celebrate the life of Max 
Thwaits III.

                          ____________________