[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING KEN STEWART

  (Mr. Taylor of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Stewart.
  Ken is a proud resident of Ohio's Second Congressional District and a 
former firefighter with the Batavia Fire Department. Ken spent over 
four decades with the department, working his way up from lieutenant to 
chief.
  This past summer, at the age of 85, Ken participated in the 2025 
World Police and Fire Games, an Olympic competition specifically for 
first responders that draws competitors from around the world. Ken 
excelled in javelin throwing, high jump, and many other track events, 
ultimately contributing 9 medals to the total of 1,362 brought home by 
Team USA. Of his nine medals, three were gold and six were silver.
  Not only is Ken an accomplished athlete and public servant, but he 
was my science teacher at Amelia Middle School. I loved having him as a 
teacher. It is wonderful to see him continue to achieve greatly and 
inspire others around him.
  Ken worked tirelessly to prepare for the games by exercising at his 
local YMCA every day and allowing the thrill of competition to drive 
his desire to win. Ken reminds us all how important it is to keep 
moving and take care of ourselves so we can make the most of life at 
any age.
  Ken has centered his life around athletics, having been a high school 
track and field official for 47 years and track coach for 60 years in 
Clermont County. Ken even had the amazing opportunity to officiate the 
1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. His dedication to improving 
the lives of young people is admirable.

                              {time}  1115

  Mr. Speaker, coaches and officials play a key role in shaping the 
attitudes and beliefs of our Nation's youth, and my district is lucky 
to have many people like Ken to look out for our athletes.
  Madam Speaker, after a long and successful career, Ken plans to 
retire from athletic events. To celebrate his achievements and his 
dedication to his community, the Village of Batavia is naming July 14 
``Ken Stewart Day.'' I look forward to being in Batavia next year to 
celebrate. We congratulate Ken. All of southern Ohio is very proud of 
him.


               Recognizing Billy Ray ``Daddy-O'' Midkiff

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Billy Ray 
``Daddy-O'' Midkiff and his extraordinary service to southern Ohio. Ray 
began serving as a volunteer firefighter in 1977 with the Wilkesville 
Volunteer Fire Department, and he became a charter member of the Salem 
Township Volunteer Fire Department. He has over 50 years of service 
including several years as fire chief for Salem Township.
  Ray's roots in the community run deep, as he has also worked as a 
dairy farmer and coal miner for the Southern Ohio Coal Company. Ray has 
received numerous awards such as the National Grange Volunteer 
Firefighter of the Year and was deemed a Hometown Hero by Modern 
Woodmen. To this day he is an active fire chief and continues to give 
back to southern Ohio.
  Madam Speaker, America is forever grateful for people like him and 
the millions of other first responders who put their lives on the line 
for us every day. All of southern Ohio thanks Ray for his service.

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