[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3981-H3982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING ILWACO FIRE DEPARTMENT AS FIREHOUSE OF THE YEAR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Perez) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Ilwaco Fire 
Department, which was recently recognized as the Firehouse of the Year 
by the Washington State Fire Fighters' Association.
  First responders and firefighters are on the front lines of keeping 
our communities safe, and many of them are doing this as volunteers 
because they are committed to serving their community.
  At the Ilwaco Fire Department, the ambulance component is entirely 
run and operated by their volunteers. Whether it is a wildfire or a 
house flood, our first responders are constantly prepared for 
emergencies throughout our community.
  In this last year, the Ilwaco Fire Department was responsible for 
transporting more than 200 patients and traveling over 23,000 miles. 
The crucial role they play can't be done without proper funding, which 
is why I will always fight to bring back the Federal dollars they 
deserve. I am honored to have such a hardworking and outstanding fire 
department in my district.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the brave members of the Ilwaco Fire 
Department, and a special thanks to Sparky, the fire dog, for keeping 
everyone's spirits high.

                              {time}  1045


  21-Year-Old Andrew Okerlund Summits 100 Highest Peaks in Washington 
                            State in 85 Days

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Okerlund, a 
young mountain climber in my district. Last summer, Andrew became the 
91st person to summit the 100 highest peaks in

[[Page H3982]]

Washington State, which he accomplished in just 85 days. This list of 
summits is known as the Bulger List or the Bulger 100.
  Okerlund turned 21 this past March, making him the youngest person 
ever to complete the Bulger List. He started his climbing journey just 
2 years prior, when he became inspired by the stories of other young 
people who had competed in the 100 summits.
  Andrew's meticulous planning and grit was evident throughout his 
trek. From precise meal planning to his high standards for climbing 
partners, each decision made in the 85 days was deliberate.
  Andrew Okerlund's accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and 
strength. I applaud him for such an impressive feat.


           Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell Named STEM Rising Star

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angelina Rodriguez-
Caldwell, a freshman at Kelso High School. Angelina was just named the 
Southwest Washington STEM's Rising Star in recognition of her work as 
an active member in her school's medical club, known as ClubMED. Her 
time in ClubMED has allowed her to participate as well as lead a 
variety of events and conferences.
  This upcoming school year, Angelina will serve as the ClubMED 
president, allowing her educational opportunities to continue to grow 
in the medical field. Her teachers have shared that she excels in 
communication, work ethic, and spirit, rising to challenges above her 
grade level.
  Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell has made her teachers and community 
extremely proud. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning. Her 
success with ClubMED shows how much students can accomplish when they 
are given the tools to work on issues they are interested in. I 
congratulate Angelina. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.


            PSP Shuts Down Shellfish Fishing in Willapa Bay

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a recent harmful 
spike in paralytic shellfish poisoning, known as PSP, that has 
partially shut down shellfish fishing in Willapa Bay.
  The PSP biotoxin is caused by a harmful microorganism that can spread 
in coastal waters. This spike was the first to cause commercial 
closures in Willapa Bay since 1997.
  The shellfish industry plays a critical role in southwest 
Washington's economy and ecosystem. However, due to this outbreak, most 
commercial shellfish farming was halted for over 10 days, costing 
growers, their families, and employees financial hardship and 
challenges.
  Testing requirements have put constraints on growers, and shutting 
down harvesting operations has threatened the jobs of hundreds of 
southwest Washingtonians. Imagine what 10 days of lost pay would do to 
your ability to pay rent or make a payment on your car.
  I stand by the shellfish farmers during this difficult time. Local 
farmers are a staple in southwest Washington, and it is essential that 
they get the support they need to be able to continue their operations. 
My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation as more information 
is discovered.


                      Remembering Mayor Rob Gordon

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Rob Gordon of 
Bucoda, who recently passed away after battling stomach cancer.
  Mayor Gordon was born in Centralia and remained a lifelong resident 
of southwest Washington. Before and during his tenure as mayor, Gordon 
was the assistant chief of the Bucoda Fire Department and has been 
serving as a firefighter since the age of 16.
  In addition to serving the public, Mayor Gordon also worked for his 
family's company that he co-owned with his brother, where he drove dump 
and log trucks. Outside of work, he enjoyed raising cattle on his 
family farm, collecting old International tractors, and teaching these 
skills and values to his children, Jakob and Anna.
  Mayor Gordon was the epitome of a servant leader, and the impact he 
had on our community cannot be overstated. He was old school, tough, 
fair-minded, and at times reserved, but he always gave people the 
chance to be the best version of themselves.
  This loss will be felt by many, and his life of service and 
dedication to Bucoda will echo forever. My thoughts are with his 
family, Miriam, Jakob, and Anna and loved ones grieving this 
devastating loss.

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