[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FIRST RESPONDERS OF MONTANA'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL 
              DISTRICT COMBATING THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

  (Mr. DOWNING asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first 
responders of Montana's Second Congressional District who are 
sacrificing time and treasure to combat the ongoing wildfires in 
southern California.
  Firefighters from Columbus and Red Lodge are joining groups like the 
Billings Flying Service and other crews and individuals from across the 
State to help those in need.
  I applaud the leadership of these groups, including Columbus Fire 
Rescue Chief Rich Cowger and Red Lodge Fire Rescue Chief Tom Kuntz for 
setting an example of service before self.
  During my time as a combat search and rescue enlisted aviator in the 
U.S. Air Force, we had a motto: These things we do, that others may 
live.
  Mr. Speaker, these men and women exemplify that motto, so I ask that 
you join me in praying for and honoring these brave Montanans who have 
traveled far and wide and put themselves in harm's way to protect the 
lives and property of their fellow Americans.

  God bless and Godspeed to these heroes.

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