The publication is reproduced in full below:
FIREFIGHTER AWARDS
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HON. VERN BUCHANAN
of florida
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 5, 2021
Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize fire, rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District.
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.''
Nine years ago, 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.
Parrish Fire District Division Chief Michael Williamson was chosen for the Career Service Award.
Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Morris Lopez; Captains Derek Butler, Michael Bugg, Erik Sawyer, and Brian Visnovec; Acting Captains Charles Bridges and Adam Brown; Firefighters Travis Poirier and Edward Kofler; Fire Medics Colin Tracey, Gilad Maimoni, Brandon Gadberry, Adam Schwer, Violet Anderson, Juanita Benjamin, Brian Johnson, and Ryan VanBuskirk; Lieutenants Joseph Blackwelder and Joshua Veeck; Driver Engineers Ralph Mascaro, Derek Wendt, Ayron Burden, Jerome Mancillas, Jeffrey Hartzner, Patrick Geiger; and Acting Driver Engineers Marc Dieth, Joshua Thompson, and Ryan Fritz; and Manatee Search and Rescue Deputy Chief John Elwood and K9 Karma, and Captain Michael Dvorak and K9 Max were chosen to receive the Unit Citation.
Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Captain John Shirah and Driver Engineer Peter Dziubinski; Sarasota County Fire Department Lieutenant Randy Allen and Fire Medics Miriam Troyer, Andrew Moler, and Michael Alberti were chosen to receive the Preservation of Life Award.
Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Kimberlee Rogers, Deputy Chief Jason Dougherty; Manatee Search Nicholas Reis; and Manatee County EMS Social Worker Sonia Shuhart were chosen for the Dedication and Professionalism Award.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Terri Adams; Corporals William Barnes and Carlos Brito; and Deputies Keaton Bruce and Andrew Fleming; and Civilians Trexley and Bradley Cleophat were chosen for the Associate Service Award.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 195
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