[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SIERJIE LASH NAMED OHIO'S 13TH DISTRICT CHAMPION OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. EMILIA STRONG SYKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2024

  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Sierjie Lash as Ohio's 
13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.
  Lash is a trailblazing Akron firefighter, who has recently been 
promoted to district chief. Lash will be the first woman in the near 
200-year history of the Akron Fire Department to hold this position.
  In her 21-year career with the department, she is not a stranger to 
firsts. In 2022, she was promoted to captain, becoming the first woman 
to hold that rank in the department.
  Lash's ascent to district chief position is a testament to over two 
decades of unwavering dedication to excellence, personal growth, and 
leadership development.
  At fist, Lash was hesitant to join the Akron Fire Department. 
However, her peers continued to encourage her to apply. Lash joined the 
department with the expectation that she would focus on being the best 
paramedic she could be.
  To her surprise, she learned that Akron Fire Department employees are 
expected to be trained as both a paramedic and a firefighter. Lash went 
through the fire academy as the only woman in her class. Throughout the 
next few years, she fell in love with the job.
  As Lash has risen through the ranks, she has seen the number of 
female firefighters grow from just 6 women to 32. Her career and new 
title as district chief unequivocally demonstrates that firefighting is 
a profession for women as much as it is for men.
  Lash acts as a mentor and advocate for women in the department. She 
encourages other women to seek out leadership training and run for 
leadership positions.
  Lash's historic career and unwavering commitment to excellence 
exemplify the very spirit that makes OH 13 the Birthplace of Champions.
  I thank District Chief Sierjie Lash, for her dedication to her field 
and the amazing work she does. We are so proud of her.

                          ____________________