[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 211 (Monday, December 15, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8728-S8729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO BUTCH INKS

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Saint Paul 
Fire Chief Barton ``Butch'' Inks of Saint Paul, MN, who is retiring 
after 31 years of service to the City of Saint Paul Fire Department.
  Every single day, firefighters are called to put their lives on the 
line to save others. It takes an uncommon selflessness, courage, and 
patriotism to do what they do, and Chief Butch Inks was always willing 
to make that sacrifice.
  Born and raised in the North End neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN, 
Chief Inks started his career in the city's parks and recreation 
department in 1985. In 1994, Chief Inks graduated from

[[Page S8729]]

the Saint Paul Fire Department Recruit Training Academy, and after 
rising through the ranks to assistant chief, he was appointed chief in 
2019.
  Under his leadership, fire and EMS staffing increased to the highest 
levels in department history, and the implementation of new emergency 
medical response models improved response times and created more local 
jobs. Chief Inks was instrumental in securing funding and approval for 
a new fire station in Saint Paul's highest call-volume area, promising 
that help is never far away. Chief Inks coordinated 200 emergency 
responders during the pandemic, and he has dedicated resources to his 
firefighters' well-being, introducing comprehensive cardiovascular 
screenings and enhanced physical exams to support their health and 
safety.
  Firefighters and other emergency responders across the country wake 
up, put on their gear, and go into harm's way every day to keep the 
rest of us safe. Our obligation is to ensure that we recognize that 
daily sacrifice and honor their heroism not just with our words, but 
with our actions.
  So today, I rise to honor Chief Butch Inks and his lifelong service 
to Saint Paul, MN.

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