[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1030
                         HONORING BILL GRUMMONS

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a dedicated 
member of the city of Spokane Fire Department, Mr. Bill Grummons.
  Bill has been promoted to deputy chief of training and safety in the 
department. As deputy chief, Bill will oversee and support members of 
the department in their training to help them become better prepared 
for the challenges of the fire service.
  Bill's collaborative leadership style and commitment to improvement 
within the department will benefit both personnel and the community 
greatly.
  Bill joined the Spokane Fire Department in February 2012. During his 
career, he served as a firefighter at Station 4, lieutenant at Station 
1, captain in staffing at Station 18, and battalion chief of the south 
battalion.
  With the increased risk of wildfires in eastern Washington, it is a 
good reminder that it is brave and talented men and women, like Bill, 
that we need in charge.
  With his years of experience and commitment to the department, I have 
no doubt he will do incredible things to strengthen the Spokane Fire 
Department and help take care of our wonderful community.
  Please join me in congratulating Bill Grummons on this well-deserved 
promotion and wishing him nothing but continued success in his new 
role.


             Whitworth University Launching Nursing Program

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to share the wonderful 
news that Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, is launching a 
new bachelor of science in nursing program to strengthen care and 
address critical nursing shortages across the Northwest.
  The school is set to launch in the fall of 2027. This 4-year BSN 
program reflects Whitworth's commitment to addressing the growing 
demand for highly trained nurses across the Pacific Northwest. This 
program is designed to expand access to high-quality nursing education 
while preparing graduates to serve in hospitals, clinics, and community 
health centers.
  The BSN program will be housed in Hawthorne Hall, which is being 
transformed into a dedicated 22,500-square-foot nursing education 
facility. The space will feature state-of-the-art simulation and skill 
labs designed to prepare students for real-world healthcare 
environments.
  I commend Whitworth University for launching its new nursing program, 
a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for healthcare 
professionals in the Northwest.
  This investment will create new pathways for students, support our 
hospitals and clinics, and help ensure families across the region have 
access to high-quality care for years.


                       Remembering Frankie DeWitt

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
dear friend, a great patriot, and a wonderful citizen of eastern 
Washington, Mrs. Frankie DeWitt.
  Frankie was an extraordinary woman whose kindness, strength, and 
unwavering commitment to others and to public service touched countless 
lives across our community.
  Frankie was born in Oregon. With her father, a civil engineer, she 
traveled extensively throughout her childhood, living in Okinawa, 
Afghanistan, and Iran. It helped shape her lifelong approach to seeing 
people as they were and treating everyone with dignity and grace.
  Frankie was a dedicated volunteer in the arts and at her church, and 
she spent 50 years involved in local conservative and Republican 
politics.
  Frankie served as State committeewoman, GOP chair in Yakima, and 
northeast chair for the Washington Federation of Republican Women. She 
worked tirelessly to strengthen our party, support candidates, and 
encourage civic engagement across eastern Washington.
  When I first ran for office in 2010 for the State senate, Frankie was 
a member of my campaign's brain trust. Her wise advice and sometimes 
critical guidance, always delivered with kindness, were essential to 
our success. I specifically remember Frankie telling me not to ride in 
cars in parades but to get out and shake hands with the public.
  As I have continued my political career, Frankie's influence has 
remained with me. The values she lived by--service, compassion, and 
commitment to others--continue to serve as a reminder of why we do this 
work.
  Frankie is now reunited with her beloved late husband, Tom. She 
leaves behind three wonderful children and seven granddaughters. Her 
memory remains a blessing, and her legacy lives on for the countless 
lives she touched.
  As we celebrate these 250 years of our wonderful America, it reminds 
me that it is civically minded people like Frankie DeWitt who continue 
to keep this wonderful Republic.

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