[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 187 (Friday, November 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE BRAVERY AND HEROISM OF OKOLONA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MORGAN McGARVEY

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 2025

  Mr. McGARVEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the Okolona Fire 
Protection District for their bravery and heroism in response to the 
tragic crash of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky.
  On Tuesday, November 4th, a cargo jet bound for Hawaii crashed 
moments after takeoff. Unable to gain altitude, the jet went down just 
beyond the airfield, erupting into flames as hundreds of thousands of 
pounds of jet fuel ignited. The resulting fire engulfed an area the 
size of nine football fields, and the thick, black plume of smoke could 
be seen from anywhere in the city. I have lived in Louisville my whole 
life and could never have imagined seeing something like this. For a 
moment, Louisville looked apocalyptic--it was heartbreaking.
  But in these trying times, we saw the best of our community. Within 
minutes, Okolona firefighters were there, the first on site, 
confronting a scene of unimaginable destruction with discipline and 
resolve. In this moment, they showed that heroism is not found in 
comfort--it is revealed in crisis. They chose duty over fear. Their 
rapid, coordinated response contained the flames, protected nearby 
homes, and stopped the disaster from spreading. Their courage in 
horrific circumstances saved lives and protected hundreds of families 
from losing their homes to the inferno.
  Louisville is safer because of the men and women of Okolona Fire and 
the more than twenty departments who came from across the city and the 
Commonwealth to assist. Their bravery and selflessness reflect their 
deep love for this community and stand as a testament to what it means 
to serve. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these brave 
first responders for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.

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