[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 161 (Monday, October 2, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H4937-H4938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATIONS TO FIRE CHIEF STEVE KNORREK ON HIS RETIREMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fire 
Chief Steve Knorrek on his retirement.
  His four-decade long career of extraordinary dedication, commitment,

[[Page H4938]]

and service to the Bettendorf Fire Department began on September 6, 
1983.
  In less than a decade, he rose through the ranks, becoming a captain 
and a fire marshal. His commitment didn't go unnoticed as he was named 
the Bettendorf Fire Department Officer of the Year in 1991. He received 
accolades such as the 2015 Governor's Fire Prevention Officer of the 
Year award and actively contributed to organizations like the American 
Burn Association's International Outreach Committee and the St. Florian 
Burn Foundation Board of Directors.
  Chief Knorrek's service extended beyond the call of duty, 
representing the highest ideals and integrity, and he is leaving an 
indelible mark on the Bettendorf community and the broader region.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Chief Knorrek on his retirement and thank 
him for his dedicated service.


               Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Breast 
Cancer Awareness Month. October can feel different for everyone who has 
been affected by breast cancer.
  Some people wear pink and others may be grieving, but we can all 
agree on the importance of community support. Breast cancer knows no 
age, gender, or race, but it predominantly affects women.
  As the single most diagnosed cancer among American women, we must 
remember to get screened, learn more about the risks and factors, and 
support families and caregivers impacted by this disease. This Breast 
Cancer Awareness Month, let us continue to put up a fight against 
breast cancer and, most importantly, let us remain united as we work to 
find a cure.


                    Honoring Dustin Michael Cackley

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary life of Dustin Michael Cackley of Keokuk, Iowa, who 
passed away at the age of 51 after suffering a heart attack in 
September.
  Dustin's life was marked by selfless service and unwavering 
dedication to his country. He graduated from Keokuk Senior High School 
in 1991 and joined the U.S. Army later that year, beginning a 20-year 
career as a military police officer. His exemplary service earned him 
numerous accolades, including the Iraq Campaign Medal, Bronze Star 
Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, among others. He served two 
deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004 and 2008 to 
2009.
  After retiring from the military in 2011, Dustin faced personal 
challenges, including PTSD. Yet, with the support of his loyal military 
brother, Paul Schroeder, he found his way back to faith and a new 
purpose in life.
  He dedicated himself to helping veterans cope with PTSD through 
faith-based initiatives, cofounding the Armatus Reintegration Program 
in 2017.
  Returning to Keokuk in 2019, Dustin became an integral part of his 
community. He served as commander of Keokuk American Legion Post 41, 
promoting military appreciation night and advocating for veterans' 
causes. He worked tirelessly on the Veterans Memorial Commission, 
promoting the Agent Orange Memorial and the Road of Honor.
  Dustin Michael Cackley's legacy is one of bravery, service, and 
unwavering dedication to his country and community. His impact on the 
lives of veterans and the city of Keokuk will be felt for generations 
to come.


                Recognizing Police Officer Jared Alcorn

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary efforts of Norwalk Police Officer Jared Alcorn, who saved 
a couple from a house fire while on patrol in August. At 3:50 a.m., 
Officer Alcorn smelled smoke and conducted a thorough search of the 
neighborhood he was patrolling, leading him to a small house where he 
witnessed flames engulfing the back deck.
  The fire, although not yet extensive, posed a grave threat to the 
unsuspecting couple sound asleep inside. Without hesitation, Alcorn 
dialed the fire department, swiftly woke and evacuated the occupants, 
along with their pets, and called for backup.
  Then displaying remarkable bravery and resourcefulness, Officer 
Alcorn and his partner took on the roles of impromptu firefighters. 
They grabbed garden hoses from both sides of the house and commenced a 
valiant battle against the encroaching flames. Their relentless efforts 
held the fire at bay until professional firefighters arrived on the 
scene.
  Thanks to the swift and selfless actions of Officer Jared Alcorn, the 
fire's damage was contained primarily to the home's exterior. The 
couple and their pets were spared from harm and the heart of the 
residence remained intact.
  Mr. Speaker, in the darkest hours of that morning, Officer Alcorn's 
courage shone brightly, embodying the true spirit of a dedicated and 
heroic public servant.


                   Motion to Vacate Speaker McCarthy

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address comments I 
recently heard on the floor, and that is a motion to vacate Speaker 
McCarthy.
  A motion to vacate is going to continue to derail our appropriations 
bills process and bringing those bills to the floor. It will upset and 
further erode our ability to investigate the Biden family corruption, 
in which we have made significant progress.

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