[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
               HONORING FDNY CAPTAIN FREDERICK SIMMS, JR.

  (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of FDNY 
Captain Frederick Simms, Jr., a proud son of Rockland County, a devoted 
husband, and a true public servant.
  Born in Nyack, raised in Tappan, and a graduate of Tappan Zee High 
School, Freddie dedicated his life to serving others. He spent 22 years 
with the FDNY, rising through the ranks from Ladder 58 in the Bronx to 
lieutenant in Harlem and ultimately returning as captain of 58 Truck.
  Freddie also served for over 27 years with the Tappan Volunteer Fire 
Department, including time as chief, and helped train the next 
generation of firefighters as a New York State fire instructor and 
Rockland County deputy fire coordinator.
  Freddie passed away at 49 after a long battle with 9/11-related 
cancer. He will be remembered for his leadership, heart, and 
willingness to always put others first.
  My thoughts are with his wife, Jill; his family; his brothers and 
sisters in the fire service; and his parents. May his legacy of service 
live on.


                          Honoring Mount Kisco

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the 150th anniversary 
of the village of Mount Kisco, an extraordinary community in New York's 
Hudson Valley with a proud past and a bright future.
  From its roots as Lenape homeland to its days as a colonial 
settlement and a bustling railroad hub, Mount Kisco's story is one of 
resilience, reinvention, and unity.
  Officially incorporated in 1875 and later establishing itself as one 
of New York's few towns and villages, Mount Kisco has long been a 
beacon of community spirit and progress. This sesquicentennial is a 
moment to celebrate the people who have shaped Mount Kisco across 
generations, our farmers, families, businessowners, and public servants 
alike.
  Happy 150th, Mount Kisco, and here is to the next 150 years.


                          Honoring Denis Troy

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my good 
friend and longtime Orangetown leader, Denis Troy.
  A proud Bronx native, Denis built his life in Pearl River alongside 
his wife, Bea, raising a wonderful family and giving back every step of 
the way.
  Whether it was his long tenure on the town board, his work in the 
Rockland County legislature, or his service with organizations like 
Camp Venture, the Hibernians, CYO basketball, and Pearl River Little 
League, Denis always puts his community first.
  As I said when we celebrated his retirement from the Orangetown 
board, his accomplishments are too many to list, but his impact is 
undeniable. Denis has always put our community first and stood up for 
our families. He has never shied away from a fight and always does 
right by the town.
  I am proud to call him a friend, and I thank Denis for his many 
contributions to the town of Orangetown.


                  Recognizing Sheriff Kevin McConville

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Kevin 
McConville, a lifelong resident of Putnam County and a true public 
servant.
  For over 30 years, Kevin served with distinction in the MTA Police 
Department, rising from patrol to become the department's first 
internal appointee as chief. He led with vision, creating a 
counterterrorism task force in the aftermath of 9/11, partnering with 
the FBI, and launching a 50-member canine unit to protect our transit 
system.
  Kevin was on the ground on 9/11, helping coordinate the MTA's 
response and later guiding long-term security efforts during critical 
moments in our history.
  A Marist graduate, Kevin has mentored others in criminal justice.
  Above all, he is a devoted husband to his wife, Janice, and a father, 
grandfather, and respected community leader.
  Recently, Kevin announced he would not run for reelection as sheriff. 
On behalf of New York's 17th District and the residents of Putnam 
County, I thank Sheriff McConville for a lifetime of service and 
leadership.
  Most importantly, I thank my friend, a good man. I love you, bud.


                        Honoring Roberta Doremus

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Roberta Doremus of Rockland County, who passed away on June 5.
  Roberta was the definition of service. For over six decades, she 
dedicated herself to the volunteer fire service, serving 65 years with 
the Tallman Ladies Auxiliary, 59 years with the Rockland County 
Volunteer Firefighters' Association, and over 25 years as a leader with 
the Association of Fire Districts of Rockland County.
  Roberta was a charter member and treasurer of the Rockland County 
Volunteer Fire Services Museum, tireless advocate for our first 
responders, and beloved friend to so many.
  Professionally, Roberta worked for 40 years at Orange and Rockland 
Utilities, earning the prestigious Edison Living Our Values award. 
Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister.
  Her impact on our community is immeasurable, and her loss is deeply 
felt. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her, 
especially all those serving in our fire departments across Rockland 
County.

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