[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RICK BARNES

 Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President. I rise today to honor Rick Barnes 
of Doolittle, MO, for his service to his neighbors and the State by a 
simple act of kindness.
  On March 8, 2024, Stella Typaldos and her two young children were on 
the way to St. Louis to attend a family gathering. As Stella was 
driving eastbound on I-44, near Fort Leonard Wood, she hit a massive 
pothole that popped her tire and left her and her children stranded. 
Rick Barnes, a firefighter with the Doolittle Rural Fire Protection 
District, was driving west on I-44 when he saw Stella's car stranded on 
the other side of the highway. Barnes didn't hesitate to turn around 
and stop to help her. He drove Stella and her children to a nearby auto 
shop to purchase a new tire and help install it. Barnes began his 
firefighting career 7 years ago when he was 60 years old, and his 
desire to help his fellow Missourians when they are in need is 
inspirational.
  Rick Barnes is truly a Champion of Missouri. He went above and beyond 
to support his fellow Missourians, and I am grateful for his commitment 
to helping our community. I wish him the best as he continues to serve 
at the Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District.

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