[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. RAY FLETCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRANDON GILL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  Mr. GILL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend 
Mr. Ray Fletcher of Cooke County, Texas, for a lifetime of devoted 
service to our nation, The Great State of Texas, and his local 
community.
  Mr. Fletcher first answered the call to serve when he joined the 
United States Air Force in 1981, where he trained and served as a 
Nuclear Weapons Specialist. Over the course of an honorable 22-year 
military career, he rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, 
exemplifying leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the 
security of our country. He retired from active duty in 2003, but his 
public service was far from over.
  Immediately upon retirement, Mr. Fletcher began his second career in 
direct service to the people of Cooke County as the Emergency Manager 
and Fire Marshal. In this role, which he held for an additional 22 
years, he became a cornerstone of public safety and emergency 
preparedness in North Texas. Mr. Fletcher led Cooke County through 
seven federally declared disasters, investigated over 400 fires, and 
oversaw numerous other critical incidents that required his seasoned 
judgment and calm leadership. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. 
Fletcher was instrumental in coordinating the Individual Safe Room 
Grant Program, a vital initiative that led to the installation of 425 
storm shelters across Cooke County. His foresight and dedication 
undoubtedly made Cooke County a safer place for all who call it home.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Ray Fletcher's contributions to his country and 
community reflect the very best of American values. I am proud to 
represent such a distinguished citizen in the 26th Congressional 
District of Texas. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank him for 
his selfless service and wish him continued happiness in his well-
earned retirement.