[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOE COATES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
South Carolina (Ms. Mace) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of one of my 
constituents, Joe Coates, who passed away late last month after a hard-
fought fight and battle with cancer.
  Joe was a true public servant. As the director of the Charleston 
County Emergency Management Department, Joe dedicated his life to 
ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
  Joe's commitment to public service goes far beyond that. For nearly 
two decades, he served Charleston County in various roles, including as 
a coordinator for the Sheriff's Rural Search and Rescue Team and as a 
secretary for the Disaster Recovery Network following the devastating 
floods of 2015. His leadership as the planning section chief under the 
Lowcountry Incident Management Team was instrumental in guiding our 
community through times of crisis.
  On May 16, 2024, during a special meeting of county council attended 
by Joe and his family, friends, and colleagues, members of the council 
voted unanimously to rename the emergency operations center the Joe 
Coates Emergency Operations Center.
  My team and I extend our deepest condolences to Coates' family, 
friends, and colleagues. May we all strive to embody the selflessness, 
compassion, and leadership that Joe exemplified throughout his life. 
His legacy and his impact on Charleston County will be remembered 
forever.


                        Harriet Tubman Monument

  Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the unveiling of the 
Harriet Tubman Monument in Beaufort County and to highlight Beaufort's 
rich history in the fight for freedom and equality. This monument 
stands as a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman whose courage and 
dedication to liberty continue to inspire all of us today.
  Harriet Tubman's legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our 
Nation's history and even in Beaufort County. She led countless 
enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad, 
embodying the very essence of bravery and resilience.
  Beaufort County is steeped in history from the establishment of the 
Penn Center, one of the first schools for freed slaves, to its 
strategic importance during the Union occupation. This area became a 
sanctuary for those seeking freedom and education, and it continues to 
be a symbol of resilience and progress.
  The monument in Beaufort County not only honors Harriet Tubman's 
extraordinary achievements but also serves as a reminder of the 
enduring fight for justice and freedom. I commend the efforts of the 
local community historians, artists, and activists who have worked 
tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. Their dedication ensures 
that future generations will learn about Harriet Tubman's incredible 
contributions and the profound impact she had on our country.
  In fact, one night during the Civil War, Harriet Tubman rescued over 
700 slaves in Beaufort County. Harriet Tubman has had an extraordinary 
impact on South Carolina.


     Congratulating Dorchester County Consolidated Dispatch Center

  Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Dorchester 
County Consolidated Dispatch Center on its remarkable strides to 
improving 911 response times amid our community's rapid growth, 
particularly this week when we had a tornado hit Dorchester County.
  This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to the dedication and 
hard work of our local officials and emergency services personnel who 
tirelessly strive to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our 
residents.
  I would like to extend a special recognition to Tristan Proctor, 
director of Dorchester County Emergency Management, and Mario 
Formisano, deputy administrator for Public Safety for Dorchester 
County. Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in 
addressing the challenges facing the old facility, which was not built 
to withstand significant tropical storm-force winds or seismic 
activities, and it also lacked adequate space.
  I commend the leadership of Dorchester County for their vision and 
their commitment to public safety.


             Honoring the Life and Legacy of Johnny Wactor

  Ms. MACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life and legacy of Johnny Wactor, who has sadly passed away.
  Johnny was a beloved actor known for his compelling performances on 
``General Hospital'' where he touched the lives of many with his talent 
and his dedication.
  Johnny's portrayal of Brando Corbin resonated deeply with fans and 
brought joy, drama, and depth to the show. His ability to convey 
complex emotions and connect with audiences was truly remarkable, 
making him a cherished figure in the world of daytime television.

  Beyond his on-screen presence, Johnny was known for his kindness and 
generosity off the set. He was a friend to many, always willing to lend 
a hand or a listening ear. His passing is a profound loss to all who 
knew him and to the countless fans who admired his work.
  Today, as we remember Johnny Wactor, we are also reminded of the 
incredible talent that emerges from the Lowcountry in South Carolina. 
Johnny's success story is a testament to the creativity and dedication 
that thrive in our region. His journey from the Lowcountry to the 
national stage serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists in our 
community.

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