[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING MARY RICH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the leadership of Mary 
Rich as the Deputy Chief of New Gloucester Rescue. Across more than 32 
years of dedicated public service, Mary has played a vital role in the 
success of the department and the safety of New Gloucester residents.
  Mary began her career as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, 
rising over time to Deputy Chief. She has overseen tremendous change 
during her tenure--including the merging of the Fire and Rescue 
Departments, the launch of a new ambulance transport service, and the 
expansion of per diem staffing to provide 24/7 EMS coverage. The growth 
of the department would not have been possible without Mary's steadfast 
determination and tireless advocacy on behalf of the Rescue team and 
broader New Gloucester community.
  In 2025, she was honored with the New Gloucester Chief's Award of 
Emergency Medical Services for her leadership, and her family has 
proudly carried on her legacy of public service. Her daughter Molly 
Fitzgerald and her son-in-law Hale Fitzgerald have also served on the 
Rescue team. Mary's years of contributions to the department have left 
New Gloucester a safer community, better equipped to respond to and 
prevent emergencies.
  I commend Mary for an outstanding career dedicated to protecting 
public safety. I wish her the best of luck in her next chapter.

                          ____________________