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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E717-E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF MISSOURI'S FIRST RESPONDERS
______
HON. VICKY HARTZLER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 31, 2020
Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Missouri's first
responders who work selflessly to keep our communities safe. I am
tremendously proud and grateful for the Police Officers, Firefighters,
and Emergency Medical Professionals who leave their own families and
put themselves in harm's way to take care of others. Emergency
Dispatchers communicate with terrified victims, frantic witnesses,
worried family members and suicidal citizens. They are a calming
influence for everyone who calls . . . the reassuring, competent voices
in the night that offer peace, assistance, and comfort.
On any given day, first responders may be called to rescue someone
from a burning building, break-up a vicious assault, settle a family
dispute, or simply help a grandparent who has fallen. No matter what
the situation demands . . . bravery, diplomacy, initiative, versatility
or compassion . . . they provide exactly what is needed in that moment.
Just like during tornados and floods, first responders are on the
frontlines of today's COVID-19 crisis and they are being put in
situations that were unfathomable just a few months ago. EMS workers
are struggling to keep up with a dramatic increase in 9-1-1 calls while
enduring shortages of protective equipment and frequent exposure to the
virus. Police departments are fighting to keep the peace when large
numbers of their workforce are in quarantine and morale is challenged
by anti-police rhetoric dominating the national discourse. Fire
departments are often understaffed, especially in rural areas, but that
doesn't stop them from working tirelessly to keep communities safe amid
volunteer shortages. And, emergency dispatchers don't have the option
to work from home . . . they are managing an increase in call volume
while working in close quarters, which prevents social distancing.
Missouri's first responders embody the very best of the American
spirit. With charity and
[[Page E718]]
compassion, these brave men and women regularly put the well-being of
others before their own. Through their actions they are heroes . . .
through their example they are role models for all of us to emulate.
Madam Speaker, the current COVID-19 pandemic has presented Missouri's
first responders with seemingly impossible challenges. Despite numerous
obstacles, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical
professionals and 9-1-1 dispatchers are showing up every day to care
for their friends, neighbors, and communities. On behalf of a grateful
community, I express my sincere thanks, and pray God blesses them all
with peace and safety.
____________________