[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE MEMORY OF FIRE CHIEF RALPH STEGBAUER AND CAPTAIN JEFF 
                                 SKAGGS

  (Mr. CAREY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CAREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of two brave 
firefighters in my district who recently perished in a tragic accident.
  Fire Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Captain Jeff Skaggs were longtime 
members of the Concord-Green Township Fire Department and proud sons of 
Fayette County.
  Each man put their lives on the line daily for their community, 
whether it was responding to house fires at 3 a.m. or serving as first 
responders to roadway accidents, Chief Stegbauer and Captain Skaggs 
served selflessly.
  Chief Stegbauer, a retired health department worker and teacher, left 
his mark on all those he encountered. A loving husband and proud father 
of two children, Chief Stegbauer always sought to build up those who 
were around him.
  Captain Skaggs also had a long history of not only serving Fayette 
County, but the country as a whole. He served in the United States 
military as a Ranger, and later was given the rank of E5 sergeant.
  Friends and family remember him as the first person to offer help to 
anyone who was in need. His community regarded him in the same way: 
never too busy to lend a helping hand.
  These two men exemplified what it meant to be an Ohioan. They worked 
hard to support their families, but still found time to give back to 
their communities.
  They put their lives on the line as volunteer firefighters and first 
responders, never asking for anything in return. Their tragic passing 
has left a hole in our community, and they will be missed dearly.
  Their selfless public service also inspires all of us to work harder 
to make our communities just a little better. At Christmastime, please 
keep their families in your prayers.

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