[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2258]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO THE FIRST RESPONDERS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS FOR 
           THEIR SELFLESS RECOVERY EFFORTS IN NORTHEAST TEXAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Ratcliffe) for 30 minutes.
  Mr RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, on December 26 last year, tornadoes 
ravaged northeast Texas, tragically resulting in the loss of several 
lives and destroying hundreds of homes and small businesses in my 
Congressional District.
  But in the wake of this tragedy, I was inspired to see how many 
wonderful people stepped up in our communities to help those in need.
  I am especially grateful to our first responders and local officials 
whose selfless commitment and dedication to the ongoing recovery 
efforts over the past few months have brought so much healing to our 
communities.
  In Rowlett, I would like to send a special thanks to Mayor Todd 
Gottel for his incredible leadership. To City Manager Brian Funderburk, 
the entire Rowlett Police and Fire Departments, the doctors and staff 
at Lake Pointe Medical Center, and local residents Sammy Walker and 
Bruce Hargrave, who pulled a mortally wounded man from the rubble of 
his home, thank you.
  In Rockwell County, our thanks to County Judge David Sweet, Sheriff 
Harold Eavenson, Chief Deputy David Goelden, and Emergency Manager Joe 
DeLane.
  In Collin County, I would like to thank County Judge Keith Self, 
Constable Gary Edwards, Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator 
Jason Lane, and the Collin County Sheriff's Department.
  From Farmersville, thank you to the entire police and fire 
departments there, to Chief Mike Sullivan, to City Manager Ben White, 
and Mayor Joseph Helmberger.
  In Blue Ridge, I would like to thank Mayor Rhonda Williams, the 
volunteer fire department there, and the Westminster Fire Department.
  And in Hunt County, thanks to Judge John Horn and Homeland Security 
Manager Richard Hill.
  Beyond this, I would like to thank the many churches and charities 
who offered their support, like First Baptist Farmersville and Pastor 
Bart Barber, First Baptist Rowlett and its director, Jon Bailey.
  I know that, without the selfless efforts of all these great people 
and all these organizations, the recovery efforts and restoration of 
our communities would simply not be the same. Your efforts are so 
greatly appreciated.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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