Florida's 16th Congressional District Fire and Rescue Ems Awards

Floor Speech

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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. Often times, 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.''

Ten 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:

Manatee County EMS Paramedic Lydia Wilkinson for the Preservation of Life Award.

Manatee County EMS Charge Paramedic Karleigh Alday for the Preservation of Life Award.

Manatee County EMS District Chief Jason Evans for the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Manatee County EMS Charge Paramedic Joe Savasta for the Preservation of Life Award and the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Manatee County EMS Paramedic Carlos Santos for the Preservation of Life Award and the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Parrish Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Ownbey for the Career Service Award.

Cedar Hammock Fire Inspector Adam Chrisman for the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Hillsborough County Fire Captain Kevin Kahmeyer for the Dedication and Professionalism Award.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Shift Commander Gil Reyes for the Career Service Award.

Manatee County EMS Operations Chief Larry Luh for the Career Service Award.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Marshall Ray Hansen for the Career Service Award.

East Manatee Fire Lieutenant Steve Baker, Firefighter Larry White and Firefighter Michael Guard for the Unit Citation Award.

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