[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            WILDFIRE WORKERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Correa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those fighting the 
deadly wildfires that are destroying our homes, businesses, and taking 
lives across southern California. In the face of this natural disaster, 
I thank our brave first responders who are on the front lines fighting 
one of the worst fires in California history.
  I am also proud of our local Orange County firefighters that are 
helping our neighbors in Los Angeles. I am happy to say that we are not 
alone. I am grateful for firefighters from across the country, 
neighboring States, as well as our neighboring countries, Canada and 
Mexico, who have also come to help us fight these fires.
  Moments like this remind us that strength is through unity and 
helping each other out. Of course, that includes almost 750 
incarcerated individuals who are stepping up and acting as firefighters 
on the front lines.

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the immigrant community in the area 
who are offering free food to the first responders and collecting 
donations for the families in need.
  From firefighters to food vendors, friends, and local neighbors, all 
coming together in this time of tragedy, that is what community is all 
about. That is what this Nation is all about.


   Recognizing Lestonnac Free Clinic Executive Director Edward Gerber

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of my 
very good friend, Ed Gerber, the executive director of the Lestonnac 
Free Clinic in Orange.
  Ed graduated from the University of Texas after 4 years in the 
military. Since then, he has dedicated his time as an executive 
director at the Lestonnac Free Clinic. His priority is free medical and 
dental services to the uninsured and low-income families across 
southern California.
  Under his leadership, Lestonnac Free Clinic has expanded to 13 
satellite clinics and 2 mobile medical vehicles. He pioneered the 
specialty care program to help low-income families access specialty 
medical care.
  We love Ed. We want him to stay healthy. We need him, and we thank 
him for his very, very good work in our community.

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