[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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