[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H6810-H6812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF REUEL ``MOE'' TODD
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 9, 2023, the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York
(Ms. Tenney) for 30 minutes.
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and remember the
extraordinary life of Sheriff Reuel Todd. Sheriff Todd, affectionately
known by everyone in Oswego as Moe, was a loving husband, father, and
grandfather, who passed away on August 21, 2023, but not without making
an indelible impact on our community.
Sheriff Moe Todd's lifelong dedication to service began on June 29,
1974, when he joined the Oswego County Sheriff's Department. With
unwavering commitment and relentless determination, he climbed the
ranks, becoming a sergeant, a criminal investigator, and eventually the
undersheriff in 1984. His tenure culminated with his election as the
sheriff of Oswego County in 1998, a role he fulfilled with honor and
distinction for an impressive 20 years.
Throughout his career, Sheriff Todd was laser focused on the safety
and well-being of his colleagues and the communities he served. He was
a tireless advocate for everyone in the Oswego County Sheriff's
Department, fighting hard for essential equipment, training, and fair
pay for his team. His unwavering commitment to their safety and success
was evidence of his character and leadership.
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In 2022, the Oswego County legislature recognized his exceptional
service to our community by dedicating the Oswego County Public Safety
Building in his name, a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. I was
honored to be in attendance with a very huge crowd, all confirmation
that his compassion and his excellent service to his community was
appreciated by so many.
Moe and his beloved wife, Valerie, shared 55 years of marriage. He
was not only a loving husband, but also a devoted father to his son,
Michael, his daughter, Jolene, and proud grandfather to Kaitlynn. His
family meant the world to him, and he always found time for family
dinners, ball games, school activities, holidays, and precious moments
with all of them.
Moe coached baseball and softball, demonstrating his strong interest
in investing in the growth and development of young athletes and future
leaders. He was always ready to lend a hand for fundraisers and
community events, embodying the spirit of selflessness. Moe had a
unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, treating
everyone with the same respect and kindness, regardless of their
background or circumstances. His honest and very frank demeanor--and,
yes, he was very frank--and a wonderful sense of humor was appreciated
by everyone he met.
In 2021, Moe faced one of his greatest challenges when he was
diagnosed with ALS. Yet, even in the face of this relentless and cruel
disease, he displayed incredible strength and resilience. He never once
complained or engaged in self-pity. Instead, his first thoughts were of
others facing the same struggle. Moe and his family organized the
annual ``Stronger with Moe'' chicken barbecue, with all proceeds going
to the ALS Association of Upstate New York to support families
struggling with ALS. His determination to help others, even while
suffering from this agonizing disease, was truly inspiring.
Tragically, Moe lost his battle with ALS on August 31, 2023, but his
legacy of kindness, compassion, and service will live on in the hearts
of all who knew him. As a tribute to his memory, his family will
continue the ``Stronger with Moe'' chicken barbecue, ensuring that his
spirit of helping others endures.
Today, as we honor and remember Moe, let us take inspiration from his
life, let us strive to embody the values he held dear--humility,
compassion, and a commitment to making our communities better for
everyone. Moe's life reminds us that the impact we make on others
through small acts of kindness, or a lifetime of service is what truly
matters in the end.
May God bless Moe, his family, and the community he served and loved
so deeply.
Mike Woodward, Champion for Wetland Conservation
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Mike
Woodward, a resident of Oakfield, New York, whose dedication to
conservation has left a lasting impression on our community for many
generations to come.
Mike started his path in the conservation field in the 1970s when he
attended his very first Ducks Unlimited dinner. There he was inspired
to partner with Ducks Unlimited to champion wetland protection. He was
committed to the cause of wetland protection for almost 50 years. Mike
served on the national Ducks Unlimited board, where he was better able
to enhance his impact and improvements to wetland conservation.
Mike Woodward's influence extends far beyond his own achievements, as
his passion for conservation has touched the lives of his children and
grandchildren and left an indelible mark on their values and
priorities.
Today, I rise to proclaim that Mike Woodward is recognized as a
champion of wetland conservation. Mike's legacy of unwavering
dedication and visionary leadership has inspired others to embrace the
same cause and thus will ensure a better future for conservation
efforts and the preservation of our natural world.
Honoring the Life of Anthony Mazurkiewicz
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to
support H.R. 3838, bipartisan legislation that honors and remembers the
life and legacy of Rochester, New York, fallen police officer, Anthony
Mazurkiewicz. Officer Mazurkiewicz was killed in the line of duty on
July 21, 2022.
This bill would rename the post office facility in his hometown of
Avon, New York, in his honor. I thank my cosponsor, Congressman Joe
Morelle, for joining me in this bipartisan and important effort.
Officer Mazurkiewicz began his law enforcement service in 1988,
receiving multiple awards throughout a career that spanned nearly 35
years. Beyond the badge and uniform, Officer Mazurkiewicz was a loving
father, a devoted husband, and an amazing friend. He exemplified
excellence in law enforcement.
We will never forget Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz' sacrifice. This
legislation honors his incredible legacy, and I urge my colleagues to
support it.
I thank his lovely widow so much who has given me this beautiful
plastic band that honors and remembers his life and legacy.
{time} 2045
Honoring Wayne Central School Teachers and Students
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very tragic
occurrence but yet something with a great ending, with bus crash
heroes, as we call them in Wayne County.
On September 27, in Wayne County, New York, a Wayne Central schoolbus
carrying 22 students and 3 staff was traveling north on the road back
toward school when tragedy struck.
Three courageous staff members, driver Deb Hibbard along with
teachers Maureen Doyle and Lori Sozio, took immediate action in
protecting their students after a harrowing accident due to the
carelessness of a driver behind the bus.
As the bus came to a stop, Deb noticed smoke billowing from the front
and, without hesitation, urged everyone to evacuate. In a matter of
moments, all three staff members sprang into action to ensure the
safety of each and every passenger.
In the midst of the chaos, two students, Brody Constable and Colin
Schrage, who were seated at the back of the bus, displayed remarkable
bravery as they aided the remaining students and staff off the rear of
the bus, a 5-foot drop, allowing them to move away from the fire.
Due to the quick actions of these heroes, within just 1 minute of the
collision, all 25 passengers were safely evacuated.
By the end of the second minute, the entire bus, including the
passenger compartment, was engulfed in flames.
The selflessness and heroism of Brody, Colin, Deb, Maureen, and Lori
in the face of immediate danger serve as an inspiration to all of us.
Mr. Speaker, I also send many thanks to the emergency servicemembers
in the local fire departments of Lincoln, Ontario, Walworth, as well as
Wayne and Williamson ambulance service, who were promptly on the scene.
We commend and honor all of these heroes for their unwavering courage
and dedication to the safety of others.
Recognizing Paramedics Karen Gavin and Matt Devine
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize paramedics Karen
Gavin and Matt Devine of the Lockport Fire Department for heroically
saving the lives of a mother and her baby this past March.
Dispatchers received a report of a pregnant woman who was in distress
and bleeding heavily. The ambulance arrived in less than 5 minutes.
Gavin and Devine immediately began to administer treatment and prepared
the patients for transport.
While en route to the hospital, the woman went into labor and began
to give birth prematurely. As this happened, the paramedics immediately
stopped the ambulance, called for backup, and jumped into action.
Employing years of training, they were able to safely deliver the baby
and protect the mother's life.
Today, both the mother and child are home and healthy due to the
heroic and expert actions of Karen Gavin and Matt Devine of the
Lockport Fire Department.
This story is a perfect example of the hard work and expertise of our
first responders, who have answered the call to serve our communities
and those in need.
Mr. Speaker, I thank paramedics Karen Gavin and Matt Devine and the
Lockport Fire Department for their
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compassionate and dedicated service to our community.
recognizing laurence ``sparky'' rector
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to wish Laurence J. Rector a happy
belated 100th birthday. Laurence, a World War II veteran, commonly
known as Sparky, began his education in Mexico, New York, at Mexico
Academy and from there earned his bachelor of science degree from
Ithaca College in 1948. He then continued his education at Syracuse
University, St. Lawrence University, and Oswego State University.
Sparky began his service as a corporal in the United States Army in
1942 and was honorably discharged in 1945. During his service, he
completed three major campaigns, earning him three battle stars, two
amphibious landings, and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in
combat.
Sparky lived an active and inspired life. He loved sports and was
involved in numerous sports associations and coached track, basketball,
cross country, tennis, and baseball, creating a lasting impact on the
children he worked with and on our communities.
On behalf of Congress and all of New York-24, I wish Sparky a happy
belated 100th birthday and thank him for his honorable service to our
Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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