[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MATT HANENKRATH

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the patriotic life 
of Matt Hanenkrath, a pillar of Defiance County, Ohio.
  Matt served as chief of the South Richland Volunteer Fire Department, 
assistant chief of the Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department, and 
director of the Defiance County 911 Communications Center.
  Matt passed suddenly in the line of duty responding to a fire call.
  Chief Hanenkrath was a true public servant. He embodied the very 
essence of bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to 
community and country. He ran toward danger and faced flames with an 
unyielding determination to safeguard his community.
  His dedication to public service didn't stop there. Matt was also the 
president of the Ayersville Board of Education and coached softball and 
football. He exemplified the spirit of putting others before self and 
tirelessly working to better his community.
  He is survived by his wife, Ashley, and three children, Haleigh, 
Brynn, and Bentley.
  Mr. Speaker, in his memory, let us recommit ourselves to supporting 
our firefighters. Let us value their heroic efforts.
  Chief Hanenkrath's sacrifice will never be forgotten. His legacy as a 
community leader will live on through the countless lives he impacted. 
Chief Hanenkrath is an American hero.

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