[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15882]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING FLORIDA'S 16TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FIRE AND RESCUE AND 
                             EMS PERSONNEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire and rescue 
and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people 
of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service 
teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective 
communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and 
trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These 
brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they 
are prepared when they get ``the call.''
  In 2012, I established the 16th District Congressional Fire and 
Rescue and EMS Awards to honor officers, departments, and units for 
outstanding achievement.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, it is my 
privilege to congratulate the following winners, who were selected this 
year by an independent committee comprised of a cross section of 
current and retired fire and rescue personnel living in the district.
  Firefighter/EMT Michael Dunn of the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue was 
chosen to receive the Preservation of Life Award.
  Lt. Don Rossow of the Englewood Area Fire Control District was chosen 
to receive the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
  District Chief/Paramedic Robin Thayer of the Manatee County Emergency 
Medical Services was chosen to receive the Career Service Award.
  Lt. Jason Wilkins, Lt. Jamie Mann, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Jones, 
Firefighter/Paramedic Sean Sponable and Firefighter/EMT Clayton Huber 
were chosen to receive the Unit Citation Award.
  Deputy Chief Brett Pollock of the West Manatee Fire and Rescue was 
chosen to receive the Career Service Award.
  Fire Investigator/Inspector Larry Betts of the Southern Manatee Fire 
and Rescue District was chosen to receive the Dedication and 
Professionalism Award.

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