[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 54 (Friday, March 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING TELLER COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BRITTANY PETTERSEN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 29, 2024

  Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Teller 
County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Public Works Department, 
and Search and Rescue for their lifesaving work to keep roads clear and 
restore power during a record-breaking winter storm in March of 2024. 
This storm brought 40 inches of snow and caused widespread power 
outages and disruptions to essential services across Teller County.
  Staff from the Teller County OEM, led by Director Jay Teagues, and 
the Teller County Public Works Department, led by Director Fred 
Clifford, worked throughout the storm to clear roadways and remove snow 
from over 500 miles of mountainous roadways in the county. Alongside 
Teller County Search and Rescue volunteers, they worked to restore 
traffic, respond to emergency calls, and bring back power to residents.
  Tragically, two Teller County residents lost their lives as a result 
of the storm. Without the heroic efforts of the Teller County OEM, 
Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue, as well as neighbors 
helping each other during times of need, the death toll could have been 
much higher. Under some of the most extreme conditions possible, these 
Teller County employees did an exemplary job of saving lives during 
this storm.
  On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it 
is my honor to recognize the Teller County Office of Emergency 
Management, Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue teams for 
their outstanding work and service to our communities.

                          ____________________