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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE WAUKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 1, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in recognizing the men and women of the
Waukee Fire Department in Waukee, Iowa as this week's Iowans of the
Week.
The firefighters and paramedics of the Waukee Fire Department are an
integral part of the Waukee community, and their dedication to
protecting the health and safety of those they serve is nothing short
of exemplary. That dedication is just as evident in the Waukee Fire
Department's community engagement efforts. They're a frequent face
visiting local schools, leading fire station tours, and hosting
engaging, educational children's birthday parties at the fire station.
I am grateful that our children have these hardworking men and women to
look up to as role models.
Right now, Iowa's police, fire, and emergency services personnel are
continuing to provide essential services in their communities as Iowans
stay home during the coronavirus outbreak. I know that this adjustment
can make folks feel apart from their neighbors, especially in close-
knit communities like Waukee.
But that's not stopping the Waukee Fire Department. Thanks to the
creativity and imagination of Lieutenant Tony Clemen, the department is
finding a new way to get out in the community. They're bringing the
birthday party--the fire truck, lights and all--to the children; they
even play ``Happy Birthday'' over the truck's loudspeaker. Needless to
say, the idea's been a hit with kids and parents alike.
And now the community is joining in. On one recent visit, the Waukee
Fire Department met up with locals before making a birthday visit.
Together, they formed a birthday procession over twenty cars long,
honking and waving to neighborhood kids along the way. I'm so glad that
Iowans are coming together to spread much-needed joy and smiles as we
work to slow the spread of coronavirus together.
Our firefighters across Iowa are responding to emergency calls across
our great state. I know many of our firefighters don't have the
protective equipment they need, like face masks, to protect themselves
during this COVID-19 outbreak. As our firefighters work to protect our
communities, I will work to protect our firefighters and ensure they
can get the essential equipment, protecting, training, and assistance
they need.
The men and women of the Waukee Fire Department are truly making a
difference in their community, especially during these challenging
times. I could not be more thankful for their hard work and service,
and I ask the House to join me in recognizing them as Iowans of the
Week.
____________________
