[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION STAR OF LIFE NOMINEE TOM 
                                FENNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM EMMER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a first responder 
in my district, Tom Fennell. Tom has been nominated for the American 
Ambulance Association's Star of Life Award; a prestigious recognition 
given to those who have made exceptional contributions to the emergency 
medical services (EMS) community.
  Tom's journey into emergency medical services began in his childhood, 
growing up with ambulances in his garage. His father owned a local 
ambulance service, instilling in Tom a deep appreciation for the 
lifesaving work of EMS providers.
  After leaving home, Tom continued to his involvement in EMS, working 
with a Basic Life Support ambulance service which he helped evolve into 
an Advanced Life Support service.
  Tom's dedication and expertise were evident and he quickly became 
recognized as a leader in the field. He went on to serve as a regulator 
for the State of Minnesota's EMS Section, gaining valuable insights 
into the challenges faced by ambulance service providers across the 
state.
  Tom has made a profound impact on the emergency medical services 
community in St. Cloud and across Minnesota. He is an inspiration to 
all those who have had the opportunity to work alongside him.
  Throughout the years, we have been grateful to see many exceptional 
Minnesotans honored as American Ambulance Association Star of Life 
recipients. America's first female Emergency Medical Technician and 
Star of Life Recipient, Rose Pelzel, and her fellow Star of Life 
recipient, Marcia Anderson, were both panelists in our office's Young 
Women's Leadership Program. Both women are pioneers in the emergency 
medical services field, and we were lucky to have them participate.
  Congratulations to Tom on joining these impressive ranks, and I thank 
him for all his work on behalf of EMTs and first responders in 
Minnesota.

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