[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MICHAEL WHITAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2024

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
service of one of my constituents, Communications Officer Michael 
Whitaker, of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. On Friday, Dec. 8, 
2023, Officer Whitaker was working in the Communication Section as an 
Intake Operator when a constituent called 911 to advise that his 3-
month-old daughter, Harmonie, was choking and could not breath. After 
de-escalating the parent and helping him become calm enough to follow 
instructions, Officer Whitaker proceeded to provide lifesaving 
instructions on how to clear the baby's airway. The father followed all 
the instructions and was able to clear her airway. With Harmonie able 
to breathe fresh oxygen again, EMS arrived on scene and transported her 
to a nearby hospital for observation. Thanks to Officer Whitaker's 
swift actions, professionalism, and composure, Baby Harmonie is doing 
great today.
  This is just one example of the hard work, dedication, eagerness to 
help, and servant leadership that Communications Officer Whitaker 
exhibits every day when he goes to work. Officer Whitaker is a shining 
example of what it means to be a Citrus County First Responder. His 
work ethic should be a benchmark for which other first responders 
should strive to attain. It is evident that Officer Whitaker has made a 
profoundly positive impact on our community and is qualified to be 
recognized as a First Responder of the Year for Florida's 12th 
Congressional District.

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