[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 200 (Monday, December 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MIKE OLTMAN ON HIS RETIREMENT WITH THE WOODFORD COUNTY 
                      EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 1, 2025

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mike Oltman for 
more than 40 years of public service with the Woodford County Emergency 
Management Agency. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated 
unwavering commitment, technical expertise, and a deep devotion to 
protecting and serving his community.
  Mr. Oltman began his service as a senior at Roanoke Benson High 
School when the agency was known as the Emergency Services and Disaster 
Agency. Throughout his career, he has held key roles in emergency 
preparedness and response, including serving as Deputy Director, chief 
storm spotter, and a member of the damage assessment team. In these 
pivotal positions, he worked closely with the IEMA and FEMA to map 
disaster areas and support response operations that benefited the 
county, first responders, and residents.
  His extensive experience in emergency operations uniquely equipped 
him to guide the county through major crises, including his leadership 
during the activation of the Emergency Operations Center in the COVID 
pandemic. This expertise made him an essential leader at the county and 
state levels, where he successfully coordinated emergency procedures 
and supported critical public safety decisions during one of Woodford 
County's most challenging periods.
  Throughout his service, Mr. Oltman has dedicated himself to 
strengthening emergency response capabilities and supporting those 
around him. As a driver and Emergency Medical Responder with the 
Roanoke ambulance service and as a staff member with the Salvation 
Army, he has extended his commitment far beyond EMA. His dedication and 
leadership were further recognized in 2017 when he received the 
Volunteer of the Year Award from the Illinois Emergency Services 
Management Association, leaving a lasting impact on the agency and the 
community he has faithfully served.
  Woodford County is fortunate to have a volunteer whose service, 
professionalism, and passion for public safety have spanned more than 
four decades. Mike's commitment to his community is truly inspiring, 
and his retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career devoted 
to serving others. I am honored to recognize him for his extraordinary 
service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. I wish Mike 
and his loved ones the very best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________