[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4160-S4161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION FIREFIGHTERS

   Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
service and bravery of the hundreds of Georgia Forestry Commission 
personnel, volunteers, and paid firefighters who worked to suppress 
wildfires that ravaged over 50,000 acres in south Georgia this year.
  Since April, these fires forced hundreds of families from their homes 
across south Georgia. Combined, the Highway 82 Fire and Pineland Road 
Fire have destroyed over a hundred homes.
  State officials have said both fires are now fully contained, thanks 
in large part to the tireless efforts of the Georgia Forestry 
Commission. Hundreds of volunteer and paid firefighters have been 
working around the clock to stop these devastating fires to protect our 
communities.
  Since 1921, the Georgia Forestry Commission has provided leadership, 
service, and education to protect and conserve Georgia's forest 
resources, including defending our State from over 2,300 wildfires 
annually. These firefighters have now added another chapter to this 
proud legacy, defeating these unprecedented fires with professionalism 
and dedication under the leadership of GFC director Johnny Sabo.
  With gratitude for their service, as Georgia's U.S. Senator, I 
recognize and

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commend these Georgia Forestry Commission personnel, volunteers, and 
paid firefighters for answering the call once more on behalf of the 
State of Georgia.

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