[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD
(Mr. BRESNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael
Crawford, a devoted father, husband, loyal friend, and public servant,
who spent his life answering the call when others needed help the most.
As a firefighter and EMT with the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department,
he stood on the front lines of emergencies, protecting his neighbors
and his community for 25 years. He truly embodied what it means to give
to our community, serving not for recognition but because others
depended on him.
However, if you ask those who knew him best, they will tell you that
his favorite role was not in uniform but at home with his family. He
was the proud father of 12 children and a loving husband to his wife,
Jessica.
Over the last year, Michael courageously battled a terminal cancer
diagnosis, but before he left this Earth, he had one last wish: to see
his children graduate. That wish was fulfilled in three early
graduation ceremonies, allowing him to see his two daughters receive
their nursing diplomas and, through the support of his community, a
special high school graduation ceremony held for his son.
Today, we mourn his passing, but we also celebrate the life that
reminds us of what truly matters: faith, family, service, and
sacrifice.
To his wife, his children, his EMT and fire department family, and
all who love him, we extend our deepest condolences.
To Michael Crawford, we offer our gratitude. May we honor his legacy
not just with words but by striving to live with the same strength and
unwavering devotion that he showed us every single day.
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