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[Pages H4225-H4226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RED LION FIRE COMPANY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
[[Page H4226]]
Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker) for 5 minutes.
Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of John
David--he was known as ``JD''--Smith, a volunteer firefighter with the
Red Lion Fire Department.
JD passed away on Sunday due to injuries sustained during a
motorcycle accident.
JD officially joined the Department in June of 2016, though he was
involved in years prior as well. His sister, Megan, said, ``He was a
very dedicated firefighter. It was like his second home. He ran just
about every call he could without hesitation. He had a kind heart and
would help anyone who needed it. If you were sad, he was the first to
ask you what's wrong and if you need anything.''
Mr. Speaker, we appreciate JD's compassion and service to his
community. We recognize that those who volunteer with our local fire
companies are special, and their dedication to the protection of others
is admirable.
I ask that the community join me in keeping JD's family, friends, and
fellow firefighters at the Red Lion Fire Department in our prayers
during this difficult time.
{time} 1045
National Foster Care Month
Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, May was National Foster Care Month, and I
would like to recognize all of the loving and caring foster parents in
my district.
Nearly 670,000 young people have foster parents across this great
Nation, and it is in a loving home that they are able to grow and
thrive. Today, I would like to thank the foster parents, volunteers,
family members, social workers, child welfare professionals, and
countless others across the district that I represent who help them
find permanent homes and build strong foundations.
In particular, I would also like to recognize the work of two
outstanding nonprofit organizations in my district that do great work
in assisting foster children and families: Bethany Christian Services
and COBYS Family Services.
This is an issue we should all care deeply about. I was very proud
that my very first legislation to become law was bipartisan language,
cosponsored with Representative Terri Sewell, to help place foster
children in the home of family members.
When it comes to finding loving homes for children, there are no
Republicans or Democrats, just mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles,
and sons and daughters who believe that each child should have a bed to
be tucked into at night in a loving home. Our thanks are with those
foster parents who provide just that.
Congratulating Warwick Girls Track and Field
Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the State champions,
PIAA AAA Girls Track & Field champions, the Warwick Warriors. The
Warriors bested the competition last week, bringing home the school
district's fifth State championship. The team took home seven medals
from the State championship games.
``Every time those girls were asked to do something, they did it,''
said Coach Alex Decker. ``They rose to every occasion, from the time
they were sophomores to now, and they are just unreal.''
Certainly, there is much to be proud of. The lessons that these young
women have learned together will stay with them throughout their lives.
When asked what she learned from graduating seniors on the team,
junior Meaghan Quinn said: ``No matter how many medals or how many
awards you get as a team, it always comes back to the people who you
are and the friendships that you've made along the way. . . . We can't
do it without each other.''
Mr. Speaker, the community is proud of the efforts of these young
women. We congratulate them on their tremendous success and continue to
wish them well in the future.
____________________
