[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO DEBBIE CONARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2024

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown 
Hero, Debbie Conard, who has dedicated over 20 years to volunteering 
with the Richardson Fire Department. On the Fire 1 Rehab Team, Debbie 
supports firefighters during large fires. She is on call 24/7, leading 
the photography team and responding to structure fires, capturing 
firefighters as they save lives and property. These images serve as a 
visual record of the bravery and dedication of our local firefighters 
and are on display at fire stations throughout the city.
  After completing the Citizen Fire Academy (CFA), Debbie joined the 
CFA Alumni Association, where she served as President for many years 
and remains active today. Her dedication extends to the Richardson 
Police Department, where she has volunteered for over 18 years. After 
completing the Citizen Police Academy (CPA), she continued to stay 
involved through the board of the CPA Alumni Association, contributing 
to special events, including National Night Out and Safety Fairs, as 
well as photographing for CPA classes.
  Debbie's dedication to serving North Texans isn't limited to 
Richardson city limits. She volunteered at the Scottish Rite Hospital 
for Children in Dallas where she engaged patients with crafts, books, 
and games. She also volunteered with Equest, a therapeutic equestrian 
riding program for children with diverse needs. Through her involvement 
with the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Debbie helps honor fallen 
firefighters and police officers who lost their lives in the September 
11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Debbie is also a volunteer photographer 
for Honor Flight, which celebrates America's veterans by inviting them 
to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built to commemorate their 
service and sacrifice.
  Those who know and work with Debbie describe her as humble, sincere, 
and deeply compassionate. She has a generous heart and never seeks 
recognition of accolades for her efforts. I'd like to thank Debbie 
Conard for going above and beyond to serve our North Texas community.

                          ____________________