[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H610-H612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING ALACHUA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE CHIEF HAROLD THEUS

  (Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mrs. 
Cammack of Florida was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the 
majority leader.)


                             General Leave

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on this Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional 
public servant, a trusted leader and a dear friend to myself and 
everyone around him, Alachua County Fire Chief Harold Theus.
  Chief Theus was recently named Florida's Career Fire Chief of the 
Year, an honor that truly reflects his lifetime commitment to service, 
leadership, and his community.
  For many years now, Chief Theus and I have worked side by side on 
issues that matter deeply to our Alachua County community. Whether it 
is public safety, emergency preparedness, disaster response, or 
ensuring that our first responders have the tools, training, and 
support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, Harold is 
there. Through hurricanes, wildfires, medical emergencies, and moments 
of unimaginable loss, Chief Theus has been a steady and trusted 
presence, quite literally the definition of a phone call away.
  Under his leadership, Alachua County Fire Rescue has set a standard 
for excellence, emphasizing readiness, innovation, and above all, care 
for the very people who wear the uniform every single day. Chief Theus 
understands that a strong department is built by investing in people, 
by mentoring young firefighters, prioritizing safety, and fostering a 
culture where every team member knows that they matter.
  That kind of leadership doesn't happen by accident. It comes from 
lived experience, from showing up day after day, and from the 
understanding of the weight of responsibility that comes with the 
badge.
  I also want to speak personally for a moment. As the wife of a first 
responder, I know the quiet sacrifices that families, particularly fire 
families, make, the missed holidays, the overtime shifts, the late-
night calls, the constant awareness that danger is just always part of 
the job. Leaders like Chief Theus don't just protect communities, they 
look out for our fire families too. Chief Theus understands that behind 
every firefighter there is a family praying for his safe return.

  Mr. Speaker, Florida's Career Fire Chief of the Year is simply not an 
award for operational excellence. It is a recognition of character. It 
honors someone who embodies integrity, resilience, and service above 
self. With Florida being the third most populous State in the Union, 
that is one heck of an achievement.
  For the people of Alachua County, Chief Theus is more than just the 
fire chief. He is a leader in a time of crisis, a team builder, and man 
who has earned the trust of the community that he serves.
  For me, he is a friend, someone whose counsel I value, whose 
commitment I admire, and whose example reminds us all of what public 
service is meant to be.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Fire Chief 
Harold Theus on a well-earned recognition and thank him for his 
service.
  On behalf of the families that he protects, the firefighters that he 
leads, and the community that is safer because of his service, I thank 
Chief Theus. May his example continue to inspire the next generation of 
first responders.

                              {time}  1150


               Honoring Life and Legacy of Mary Sue Rich

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of a remarkable public servant, trailblazer, and beloved member of our 
Ocala community, former Ocala councilmember Mary Sue Rich.
  At the end of last year, at the age of 85, Mary Sue Rich passed away. 
Ms. Mary left behind a legacy that helped shape the city of Ocala for 
generations. She was a woman of courage and conviction, and her life 
reminds us that progress is often driven not by loud moments but by 
steady, faithful service over time.
  In 1995, Mary Sue Rich made history when she became Ocala's first 
Black councilmember. At a time when representation mattered deeply and 
change did not come easily, she stepped forward with grace and 
determination. She was ready to serve her community, but more 
importantly, she opened doors.
  Mary Sue Rich remained on the Ocala City Council until 2019, becoming 
the longest serving councilmember in the city's history. Her longevity 
was not just a matter of years but a testament to the trust that her 
community placed in her and the respect that she had earned through her 
leadership.
  Ms. Mary was a mentor, a role model, and a living example of what it 
means to lead with integrity. She believed that progress comes when we 
bring people together, not when we divide them. Her leadership style 
was always rooted in listening, collaboration, and, of course, with a 
deep love for the city that she called home.
  Her impact is not measured in titles alone, but it is reflected in 
the strengthened institutions that she helped guide, the voices that 
she elevated, and the countless residents whose lives were improved 
because she cared enough to serve.
  I remember meeting her for the first time many years ago. I was a 
young, freshly elected Congresswoman, and she was just so gracious and 
kind. I recall thinking to myself how remarkable she was, someone whose 
tiny shoulders--she is not that tall--had been so small, but she 
carried so much. She was a force, a tiny titan, if you will.
  That meeting that we had was actually a groundbreaking for a building 
that today bears her name. The dirt that we dug that day still sits on 
my desk.
  As we extend our sincere condolences to her family, her friends, and 
the entire Ocala community, we mourn her passing, but we choose to use 
this as a moment to celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will 
endure long after this moment.
  Mr. Speaker, Mary Sue Rich's story reminds us why public service 
matters, and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and honoring 
the extraordinary life of Ms. Mary Sue Rich.

[[Page H611]]

  



             Remembering Life and Service of James Bennett

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
remember the life and service of James Bennett, a devoted public 
servant from Baker County, Florida, whose life was tragically cut 
short. His sudden loss is a painful reminder for how fragile life can 
be and how deeply one's individual service can touch the lives of so 
many.
  James Bennett was first elected as a Baker County commissioner in 
2014, and he approached that responsibility with seriousness, humility, 
and an unwavering commitment to the people that he served.
  He understood that local government is where public service is most 
personal. It is where decisions affect families, neighborhoods, and 
livelihoods very directly.
  As a commissioner, he worked diligently to represent the interests of 
Baker County, always striving to do what he believed was right for his 
neighbors.
  In addition to his service in Baker County, James was also the chief 
operating officer for JAXPORT. In that role he played a key part in 
supporting one of Florida's most vital economic assets. The port of 
Jacksonville is not only a driver of commerce and trade but a source of 
countless jobs, thousands of jobs, and the support system for families 
all across northeast Florida.
  James understood the importance of that mission and brought his 
skills and leadership to bear in service of our State's economic 
future, and he always did it with a smile.
  In fact, I will never forget on my last trip to JAXPORT, James put on 
a good smile, one that he probably would have busted into laughter if 
he could have, as I drove one of the cranes in a dress. For those that 
know about those cranes in our Nation's ports, they are very tall, and 
they tend to have some interesting components. He was a great sport 
showing me all of the latest things that they were doing at JAXPORT.
  Beyond titles and positions, James will be remembered most for his 
character. He was somebody who believed deeply in public service, and 
he respected his fellow elected officials. More importantly, he 
listened to his constituents, the people who had elected him. He was 
always working to try to find a solution or an opportunity that would 
make Baker County stronger.
  His passing is felt deeply by his family, his friends, his 
colleagues, and, of course, Baker County. They have lost a leader, a 
neighbor, a friend, someone who cared deeply about a place that we call 
home.
  To his loved ones, I extend my deepest condolences and prayers for 
them during this very difficult time. No words will ever do justice for 
their pain and loss, but I hope they find comfort in knowing that 
James' life and his service truly mattered, and that his contributions 
will not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, today we pause to remember James Bennett not only for 
how he died but for how he lived: dedicated to service and dedicated to 
his community. His legacy is reflected in the work that he did and the 
people he served. May we honor his memory by continuing to serve with 
the same integrity, humility, and dedication that James demonstrated 
throughout his life and his career.

          Honoring Life and Legacy of Floyd ``Sonny'' Tillman

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy 
of Floyd Tillman, or as most of us know him, ``Sonny.''
  Sonny Tillman, a Gainesville native, a visionary entrepreneur, and a 
man who knew his barbecue was a deeply beloved member of our Florida 
community whose impact will be felt for generations to come. You can't 
drive through south Georgia or north Florida without driving past 
Sonny's BBQ.
  In 1968, Sonny Tillman opened a small family-owned barbecue 
restaurant on Waldo Road in Gainesville, Florida. In fact, it is still 
there today. What began as a humble neighborhood gathering place where 
you have picnic benches became something that was greater than just a 
menu. It became something where people gathered and talked about 
values. It was a place where people would share not just a good meal 
but a great meal.
  Sonny believed in good food made the right way. He believed in hard 
work, and he believed in treating customers like family. Those simple 
but powerful principles became the foundation of what we now know as 
Sonny's BBQ.
  Just 9 years later, that single Gainesville restaurant grew into not 
just a small franchise but a big franchise, and today, Sonny's BBQ is 
now recognized nationwide for its signature barbecue, southern 
hospitality, and commitment to quality. Yet despite the company's 
growth and success, Sonny never lost sight of what mattered most: 
community, family, kindness, and connection.
  Sonny's story is a powerful reminder of the American Dream that with 
determination, integrity, grit, and heart, one person can create 
something lasting that brings people together. Those who knew him 
remember him not just for his vision but for his warmth, his 
generosity, his ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. It 
became more than a business. He created a place where families 
gathered, where momentous occasions took place, friendships were 
formed, and memories were made.
  On behalf of Florida's Third Congressional District, I want to extend 
my deepest condolences to Sonny's family, to his friends, and all those 
that were touched by his life. We are so grateful for his 
contributions, more proud than you can imagine to call him one of our 
own, and committed to remembering the example that he said.
  May we honor Sonny's memory by carrying forward the values that he 
lived by: hard work, generosity, grit, and love for community and some 
good barbecue.

                              {time}  1200


     Recognizing the Life and Legacy of Bill Quinlan, Meteorologist

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life and legacy of former TV20 Chief Meteorologist Bill Quinlan.
  Bill joined the TV20 family in 1996 and dedicated 27 years of service 
to the north central Florida community. For many families in our 
region, Bill was more than just a weatherman. He was a familiar face 
that became part of people's childhoods, like my own husband's. He grew 
up watching Bill every single day.
  Quite literally, generations of viewers have grown up watching Bill. 
They trusted his forecast before school and planned weekends around his 
predictions.
  Beyond the forecast, Bill was a trusted voice and steady presence 
during moments of uncertainty. In a region and neighborhood like ours, 
which is often impacted by severe storms, hurricanes, and extreme 
weather, meteorologists play a vital role in protecting lives and 
property. They are educators, scientists, and public servants who help 
communities prepare, respond, and recover.
  Bill was unique because he not only embraced that responsibility with 
great care, knowing that his work was making a real difference for 
families across north central Florida, but he was committed to 
accuracy, warm professionalism, and friendly public service and 
mentorship.
  Bill helped our neighborhoods stay informed for nearly three decades. 
When storms threatened, Bill's steady demeanor and calm smile brought 
reassurance and clarity to countless households.
  Bill also understood that mentorship was important. He took pride in 
explaining complex weather systems in ways that were accessible and 
engaging, inspiring curiosity and understanding among viewers of all 
ages. Many young people who watched him on TV grew up knowing that Bill 
was a trusted teacher and role model, and some went on to pursue that 
interest in science and meteorology because of him. I know today my 
husband has a weather app on his phone because of Bill.
  We honor Bill today not only for his remarkable career but for his 
compassion and dedication to the people around him. He took great pride 
in educating viewers, and he inspired many young people. His legacy 
will continue across our community for years to come, leaving a lasting 
impact on his colleagues, viewers, the TV20 family, and friends alike.


       Honoring the Life and Service of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

  Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and 
service of

[[Page H612]]

Doug LaMalfa. He was not just a Member of Congress, but, more 
importantly, he was a farmer, a husband, a father, and my friend. He 
was a man whose character was shaped long before he ever set foot in 
Washington.
  Doug LaMalfa was about as salt of the earth as you can get. For him, 
farming was not just something he talked about in speeches. It wasn't a 
paycheck. It was something that he lived. For the last few days, I have 
been looking back on our text exchanges and have watched and rewatched 
the videos that he sent me from the tractor while he was harvesting 
rice and being a bit of a goofball.
  That was what was unique about Doug. He understood the dignity of 
hard work because he did it himself. Long days, unpredictable seasons, 
and quiet responsibility of caring for land and providing for others 
formed the foundation of who he was. That background grounded him. It 
gave him patience, perspective, and a deep respect for the people who 
keep this country fed and moving forward.
  The same principles he embodied as a farmer and steward of the land 
were in the same sense of stewardship that guided him here in public 
service. He approached leadership the way a farmer approaches the land: 
thoughtfully, practically, and with an eye toward the future. He 
believed that you leave things better than you found them, Mr. Speaker, 
not just for today, but for the next generation.
  I truly believe that what set Doug apart was his kindness. Every time 
I saw him, I was greeted with a loud and booming--if you knew Doug, Mr. 
Speaker, then you know it was going to be a booming voice: ``Hey, Kat 
Cammack.'' He also made a point to say my name right, and he put an 
emphasis on the ``mack'' because he was always flustered and frustrated 
when he would hear other people say it and couldn't say my name right.
  When he wasn't doing that, he was asking me about how Big Daddy 
Garlits was doing, the drag racing titan who calls my district home, or 
how sweet baby Auggie, my newborn daughter, was doing. He was always 
teeing up some goofy story or taking a funny selfie, and it was those 
same goofy and wholesome selfies that have dotted the photo album on my 
phone for the last 5 years.
  Mr. Speaker, those who knew him best will tell you that his 
compassion was quiet but genuine. He listened more than he spoke, and 
he treated people with respect, regardless of who they were or where 
they came from. Whether he was meeting with a constituent, helping a 
neighbor, or working alongside our colleagues, Doug never forgot that 
public service was about people, not politics.
  When the news broke about his passing, a constituent of his wrote a 
note to me, sharing a story of how she had just lost her husband and 
was in shock. She had ordered a flag to be flown over the Capitol in 
honor of the birthday of a friend who had been with her through the 
loss of her husband, but due to a mixup, her flag had never arrived. 
She said she had ``given up on it.''
  Fast forward to a Sunday morning. She answered a knock at her door. 
She was in her PJs and a hoodie, and she found Doug LaMalfa standing 
there, flag in hand. He explained it had been returned to his office 
due to a mixup in the mail, but he knew that she would want it. She was 
so impressed that not only did he get her the flag, but that he 
delivered it personally and on a weekend.
  What Congressman does that?
  While it seems like the exception today, things like that were more 
of a rule for Doug. His kindness wasn't performative. It showed up in 
small moments like taking the time to return a phone call or show up on 
a Sunday to deliver a flag, checking in on families during hard times 
and seasons, or just standing up for communities that often feel unseen 
or unheard.
  Doug LaMalfa carried the values of rural America into the Halls of 
Congress: faith, hard work, generosity, and resilience. He never lost 
sight of who he was or where he came from, and because of that, he 
never lost sight of whom he served.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, and hopefully every day, we remember a farmer who 
answered the call to serve his country, a public servant who led with 
integrity, and a man whose legacy will live on in the lives he touched. 
May we honor him by carrying forward those same values of caring 
deeply, working hard, and treating one another with the kindness that 
he so naturally gave, because Doug would want it that way.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________