Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize North Country Public Radio on its 50th anniversary. North Country Public Radio (NCPR) is a public radio network with a mission to inform, enrich, and connect the community. Based out of Canton, New York, the network is the NPR affiliate for the North Country, providing NPR programming as well as music and award-winning regional news coverage. In addition, NCPR serves as the emergency broadcast system for many communities within the North Country. Established in 1965 with a single transmitter covering St. Lawrence County, NCPR expanded to operate 34 transmitters today, serving not only the entire Adirondack North Country region, but also western Vermont and southeastern Ontario. NCPR provides a particularly important service to my district, delivering invaluable content to the people of the North Country. The hard work of NCPR employees has greatly expanded the options available to North Country residents, whether they are looking for entertainment programming or for news and information. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank NCPR for prioritizing the enrichment of our community during its 50 years of broadcasting.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Madison Fleming as the 2018 National Ambassador of Hydrocephalus Awareness. Madison was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, an incurable brain condition affecting one in every 500 newborns, only three weeks after she was born. As a result of her condition, Madison bravely endured multiple emergency brain surgeries, as well as eye surgeries, migraines, learning disabilities, and years of physical therapy. Madison courageously fought through these obstacles, and did not let them stop her from leading a successful life. Madison has competed in cross country, horseback riding, ice hockey, and lacrosse, which is a testament to her determination. She is also committed to her studies, and will be graduating high school a year early and will attend SUNY Jefferson in the fall of 2018. Madison aspires to become a Registered Nurse and dedicate her life to helping others. She is truly an inspiration. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to recognize the fantastic example that Madison sets as the 2018 National Ambassador of Hydrocephalus Awareness. I am so proud of all Madison has achieved, and have no doubt that she will continue to accomplish great things in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the hard work and dedication of our north country Olympians, who made history at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang. The United States women's bobsled team, trained in Lake Placid in my district, finished strong with an incredible silver medal win. We are also incredibly excited for Saranac Lake's very own Chris Mazdzer, who made Olympic history this year, taking home Team USA's first ever medal in men's singles luge. Chris trained tirelessly at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, and I know he has inspired the next generation of New York-21 athletes from across our region. Mr. Speaker, the north country has been buzzing with excitement since the Winter Games began, and seeing Chris on the podium was an incredible moment for us all. Congratulations to Chris and to all our Olympians, who showed the world just what the north country has to offer.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Kenneth Parkinson on his retirement from the Plattsburgh City Police Department after 25 years of service. Originally from Au Sable, New York, Ken entered the Police Academy in 1993 after graduating from Clinton Community College. In 2003, Ken was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. As Patrol Sergeant, he served on the Special Response Team, which received a mayoral commendation for service in the 2015 Dannemora Manhunt. Soon after, Ken was promoted to Administrative Lieutenant. After 24 years of service with the Police Department, Ken was appointed in 2017 by Mayor Colin Read to serve as Police Chief, where he worked tirelessly to promote community policing and made combating the opiate epidemic a priority. Ken is a lifelong resident of the Plattsburgh area, and is an exemplary member of his community. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Chief Parkinson for his years of hard work and dedication to his community, and wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hailey Hodge for being named the Syracuse District Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an annual award presented to outstanding individuals for their dedication to small business. Ms. Hodge is being recognized for her remarkable achievements as a small business owner. After graduating from Drexel University in November 2014, Ms. Hodge returned to her hometown of Canton, New York, at the age of 22 to open Luna Boutique. Luna Boutique is a successful women's clothing store, the first of its kind in the small town of Canton. Ms. Hodge also served as a role model to other aspiring businesspeople by participating in SUNY Canton's Roopreneur competition, which challenges students to develop innovative ideas for local businesses. In just a few short years, Ms. Hodge not only established a thriving business, but also became a pillar of her community. Since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized individuals for their commitment to small business during National Small Business Week. The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes business owners younger than 30 for creating successful small businesses by generating profit, increasing opportunities for employment, developing innovative methods, and demonstrating the potential for long-term business growth. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Ms. Hodge for her well-deserved award as the Syracuse District Young Entrepreneur of the Year and wish her continued success in the years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Warrant Officer Joseph M. Miner, who is being named Officer of the Year of the Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England by the Newport County Council Navy League of the United States. After graduating from Whitehall High School in Upstate New York, CWO Miner joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he currently serves as the Sector Southeastern New England's lead USCG Marine Inspector. In this role, CWO Miner oversees commercial vessel new construction at three robust shipyards involving management of 14 simultaneous projects, valued at $100 million during the past year. He also played an instrumental role in paving the way for industry to achieve full compliance with U.S. regulations and international treaties. Considered a subject matter expert on offshore supply and jack-up vessels, CWO Miner also oversaw the outfitting of certificated purpose-built vessels to lay submarine cable and carry wind towers and blade equipment. Truly committed to serving others, CWO Miner provided training for new Marine Inspectors who were working to qualify on mechanical systems. His strong mentoring efforts contributed to the new Inspectors' success. In addition to his work as Marine Inspector, CWO Miner engages his local community as a member of a local high school council and has provided advice to students as a guest lecturer at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. CWO Miner is truly a model Guardian, setting a wonderful example for others in the Coast Guard and providing an important service for Southeastern New England. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank CWO Miner for his service to our country and to his community and congratulate him on his well-deserved award.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ronald E. Jackson for over 50 years of service in the Essex Fire Department. Ron joined the Essex Fire Department in 1964, where he held the roles of Fire Lieutenant, EMS Captain, Fire District Commissioner, Assistant Fire Chief, and Fire Chief. He remains active in the Department to this day, responding to fire and EMS calls as a volunteer member of Department. For Ron, fire fighting runs in the family. He followed his father Gerald's lead in becoming a firefighter, and was glad to pass on the torch to his son, Craig, and his grandsons, Warren and Benjamin, who all currently serve. Ron is truly dedicated to his community. When tragedy struck New York on September 11, 2001, Ron bravely served as a responder at Ground Zero in the days following the attack. A true public servant, Ron now serves as Essex Town Supervisor and formerly chaired the Essex County Republicans. I would like to thank Ron for his many years of public service to the people of New York, especially to the town of Essex. His commitment to serving others sets a wonderful example for the residents of New York's 21st District.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Domonique Malcolm for being named a Distinguished Finalist in New York State by the 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state. Ms. Malcolm is being recognized for co-founding a nonprofit that led several mission trips to help an impoverished community in Jamaica, and for recently coordinating a trip that mobilized 29 volunteers to build two new houses and offer medical and dental support at a local clinic. Over the past four years, Ms. Malcolm has also helped provide the community with support, including groceries and computers for students. Created in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recognizes the critical importance and high value of contributions made by youth volunteers, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past 23 years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, and has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national levels. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I heartily applaud Ms. Malcolm for her commitment and dedication to serving others, and thank her for the positive impact she has made on many lives. Young volunteers like Ms. Malcolm are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Andrew Carpenter for receiving the ``Yes I Can'' Award from the Council for Exceptional Children. The ``Yes We Can'' Award is presented by the Council for Exceptional Children, a professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of youth with exceptionalities, in recognition of accomplishments in various categories. Andrew is one of only twelve students worldwide receiving this prestigious award, and will be honored in the transition category. Andrew, who is affected by autism, graduated from Gloversville High School in 2015 and subsequently enrolled in Transitions at Lexington, a chapter of The Arc New York, which prepares teenagers and young adults with autism and learning differences for college, careers, and life. Throughout his time at Transitions, Andrew continues to flourish, developing skills including self-advocacy and goal-setting to equip him for success in life. His enriching experience has even included becoming a vocalist for the popular Lexington-based band, Flame, which travelled to Carpi, Italy, last year to perform at the International Festival of Different Abilities. Andrew also currently attends Fulton- Montgomery Community College, where he studies communications. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to recognize Andrew for his hard work and commitment at Transitions that led him to great success. He is a deserving recipient of this award and I want to wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jim Woods on retiring from his role as Plattsburgh Highway Superintendent. For the past 30 years, Jim has been a dedicated member and leader of the Plattsburgh Highway Department. Jim joined the department on January 4, 1988, and served as the Deputy Highway Superintendent for four years before becoming the Highway Superintendent in 2011. As Superintendent, Jim oversaw the year-round maintenance of over 90 miles of road, working to ensure safe travel for North Country residents. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Jim for his three decades of hard work and dedication to his community, and wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce in celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce was founded by local business leaders in 1918 and has been making Saratoga County a great place to live, work, and play ever since. Comprised of over 2,700 businesses, the Chamber has experienced great success in fulfilling its mission of initiating and providing programs and services in support of its members and Saratoga County as a whole. The Chamber celebrated its centennial year at its annual dinner on January 25, 2018, where nearly 1,000 members and supporters attended. At the event, the 2017 Chair of the Board, David Collins, was thanked for his year of volunteer leadership and the incredible contributions he has made that have fostered growth in Saratoga County. For its 100th year, the Chamber also began a new tradition of presenting the Joe Dalton Community Service Award, named after a longtime leader of the Chamber. The award was presented to Steve ``Sully'' Sullivan, owner of The Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows Inn & Conference Center, for his extensive efforts in assisting those in need in the community. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and its dedicated leaders and members as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. I would also like to thank them for their years of hard work. I look forward to hearing about the Chamber's successes in Saratoga County in the years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joan Gillam Manda, who passed away on January 20, 2018. Joan Gillam Manda was born on October 19, 1923, in Maryville, Missouri, where she was active in church and school during her youth. A proud Tiger, Joan graduated from the University of Missouri--Columbia with a degree in Journalism in 1945. Joan was a devoted wife to her husband, Ed Manda, whom she married in 1947. Joan and Ed moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri, where they raised their four children. She enjoyed staying involved with her children's lives and was very supportive of their many activities growing up. As an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Joan was devoted to her faith and to her community, where she spent much of her time volunteering. She also proudly competed as a co-pilot for several years in the All Women's Transcontinental Air Race, where she and her pilot once won the competition. Joan truly knew how to live her life to the fullest. She was well known for her pursuit of adventure and traveled world-wide throughout her life. In recent years, she enjoyed listening to her grandchildren's stories of their own adventures across the globe. A proud grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 15, Joan took delight in keeping up with her many family members through social media. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Joan's family and friends, by whom she will be greatly missed. Joan's commitment to her family, her faith, and her community will be forever cherished in the hearts of the many people she touched throughout her life.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Assistant Chief Jack Mulcahy on his retirement from the Glens Falls Fire Department after 41 years of service. After serving in the Army and then the Navy, Mulcahy intended to become a State Police Trooper, but instead found himself with a temporary job at the Glens Falls Fire Department. This summer job turned into a four-decade career of helping those in his community as a firefighter. Mulcahy served in his role of assistant chief for ten years, and before that, a lieutenant for 15 years. Not only did Mulcahy risk his own life in fires to save others, but he also enjoyed assisting citizens in their everyday problems, like rescuing pets from trees. Mulcahy considers himself lucky to have been part of the Glens Falls firefighter ``extended family,'' and looks forward to keeping in touch but also having more time to spend with his wife, three children, and grandson. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank Assistant Chief Mulcahy for his years of hard work and dedication to his community, and wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joseph A. Bruno, a World War II Veteran who passed away on December 20, 2017. Originally from Willsboro, New York, Joe enlisted in the United States Army in the Fall of 1942, where he served his country as a member of the Signal Corps. After completing signals training at Plattsburgh State Teachers College in June of 1942 and receiving follow-on training, Joe deployed to England with his unit. On July 22, 1944, Joe's unit landed in France, where he worked to establish a trans-Atlantic communications capability. Later, during the Battle of the Bulge, Joe and his unit were rushed to the front lines to hold the line against a German advance. Following the German surrender in 1945, Joe was slated to be shipped to the Pacific theater. His unit received word of Japan's surrender while at sea, and his ship was diverted to Boston. In October of 1945, Joe was discharged from the Army at the rank of Technician Fifth Grade and returned to his hometown in Willsboro, where he worked with the railroad until his retirement in 1979. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Joe's family and friends. Joe was an exemplary member of the community and his service to his country will not be forgotten.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Michael Scott on his retirement from the Gloversville Police Department after 16 years of service. Since starting with the Gloversville Police Department in 2000, Captain Scott has been instrumental to the Department's growth and success. After serving as a patrol officer, police sergeant, and administrative sergeant, he attained the rank of police captain in 2016. To name just a few of his important contributions to the Department, Captain Scott oversaw the implementation of body worn cameras, energy device programs, and the transition of the department from the Uniform Crime Report to the Incident Based Reporting system. One of Captain Scott's proudest accomplishments is serving in the role of Accreditation Manager in the NYS Law Enforcement Accreditation program that the Department earned for five years. Captain Scott also held the position of public information officer, where he handled media requests, distributed press releases, and more. A true public servant, Captain Scott served in the Navy and the National Guard prior to his career in the Gloversville Police Department, which included deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Captain Scott for his years of hard work and dedication to his community, and wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I was sick on January 16, 2018, and missed the votes on Roll Call No. 018 and Roll Call No. 019. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 018 and YEA on Roll Call No. 019.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Lewis County Legislator Rocky Fawcett. Rocky was a dedicated public servant who never stopped believing in the potential of Lewis County. Rocky was involved in many local causes and organizations, such as the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, and the Lewis County Development Corporation. To all who knew him, Rocky was intelligent, driven, and deeply devoted to public service. Simply put: Rocky Fawcett set the gold standard for what it means to be a legislator. Rocky was a dear friend and he always greeted me with a huge smile and a hug during my many constituent outreach events throughout Lewis County. I invite Members to join me in keeping his wife, Mary, and his family in your thoughts and prayers. May we continue to honor his memory by being passionate advocates for our communities in Lewis County and beyond.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment today to highlight the real results we have achieved on behalf of north country families in this Congress. In 2017, we worked on many important initiatives to grow the north country economy, support our veterans and military families, strengthen our local healthcare system, and improve education. In fact, last year alone, the House of Representatives passed more than 470 bills and resolutions, 90 percent of which are bipartisan. In Congress, I focused on important legislation to grow our local economy. I recently introduced two bills that will increase access to rural broadband and help our north country farmers bring their production into the 21st century. I also helped the House pass legislation to strengthen career and technical education programs. This bipartisan bill updates Federal career and technical education policies to help more students gain the skills they need to compete for in-demand jobs. I have also introduced bipartisan legislation to boost north country tourism by extending the time Canadian visitors can spend each year in the United States. We have also made significant strides when it comes to education. For the past 3 years, I have worked to ensure that our students have the educational opportunities to achieve their limitless potential. In my first year in Congress, I introduced a bill to expand Pell grant access so that students can access this critical financial aid resource during summer months. I was pleased to see my initiative for year-round Pell signed into law this past May, meaning students and families in our district now have another important tool to achieve their higher education dreams. As the proud Representative of Fort Drum and the Navy nuclear site at Kesselring, my district is home to thousands of military families that make incredible sacrifices serving our Nation. In 2017, I was pleased to have a bill I authored pass the House of Representatives to help military spouses. This legislation eliminates a loophole that requires military spouses to establish residency every time their servicemember receives a new assignment. I also introduced two bills that will help military spouses that were signed into law in December. The Lift the Relocation Burden from Military Spouses Act increases professional license portability. This provides reimbursement for licensing fees of up to $500 for each permanent change of station. The second is the Military Residency Choice Act, which allows spouses the choice to establish the same State of residency as their servicemember spouse for voting and tax purposes. New York's 21st District is the proud home of more veterans than any other district in New York State. My district offices have been hard at work on their behalf helping to recover over $2.25 million in hard- earned VA benefits for our veterans. Congress also passed an extension of the GI Bill education benefits that lifts the expiration on when they can be used, giving veterans more flexibility to attend higher education institutions. Last summer, Congress passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which President Trump signed into law. This important law makes it easier to terminate failing VA employees and provides stronger protections for whistleblowers who raise the alarm over wait lists or medical malpractice. No veteran deserves to be denied care, and this law brings needed accountability to the VA. Healthcare is another issue I hear frequently about when I speak with families and businesses across my district, especially ensuring our rural communities have the access they need. In September, I introduced the CHIME Act, a bipartisan bill to extend the Community Health Center Fund for 5 years. Federally Qualified Health Centers like Hudson Headwaters, North Country Family Health, and the Community Health Center of the North Country provide over 95,000 people in my district with critical healthcare and preventative services. I am pleased that this bill has over 200 cosponsors. The overwhelming bipartisan support for the CHIME Act was instrumental in the House passing legislation to extend the Community Health Center Fund for 2 years. I have also been a strong supporter of CHIP and I voted to pass a 5- year reauthorization in the House in November. While we work to have long-term solutions for these two programs signed into law, I was pleased to pass a critical extension for them in December. Mr. Speaker, last year was busy working hard to grow our North Country economy, increase access to education, serve our brave veterans, and much more. I am honored every day to serve New York's 21st District in Congress and I look forward to continuing to work my hardest in 2018.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Army football team's victory over the Navy. The Army-Navy football game is one of college football's most famous rivalries, played this year on December 9, 2017, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Last year in December of 2016, the Army Black Knights won their first game against the Navy Midshipmen in 14 years. This year, Army won its second consecutive game with a score of 14-13, earning the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. The victory was hard-fought in harsh, snowy conditions, not unfamiliar to the men and women who have served in the 10th Mountain Division. Army wore uniforms that were a tribute to the 21st Congressional District's own 10th Mountain Division, which was established in 1943. The soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division are notorious for training in severe conditions created by high elevations and mountain climates. To honor those who have served while assigned to the unit, the uniform featured the division's coat of arms along with the words ``Vires Montesque Vincimus'' on the right shoulder, which means ``We Conquer Powers and Mountains.'' The Mountain Salute, ``Climb to Glory,'' could be seen under the coat of arms and the ``Follow Me'' sign was placed on their helmets. Additionally, the team wore the Panda Patch on their cleats, a patch that originally helped identify the soldiers who were nicknamed the Pando Commandos, a nod to the 10th Mountain Division's roots in Pando, Colorado. On behalf of the 21st District, I want to congratulate the United States Military Academy at West Point on their victory and recognize the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division who fought in World War II and those who continue to fight today to keep our nation safe.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant General David E. Quantock, who is retiring after 37 years of exemplary active federal service in the United States Army on December 31, 2017. LTG Quantock is a resident of New York and a 1980 graduate of Norwich University, with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He received Master's degrees in Public Administration from Troy State University, Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, and Strategy from the United States Army War College. He was commissioned through ROTC and entered the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. LTG Quantock has served in multiple campaigns, including Operation Island Breeze in Grenada, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. LTG Quantock culminated his distinguished career as The Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Army where he upheld the office's longstanding legacy as a fair and impartial organization. In all of his diverse assignments, LTG Quantock's dedication, integrity, and leadership had an immeasurable impact on the Army and our nation's allies. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank LTG Quantock for his 37 years of faithful service, and wish him and his wife Melissa all the best in the years ahead

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I was speaking with constituents and unintentionally missed the vote on rollcall 676, the Previous Question on H. Res. 658. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 676.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gary Beasley on his retirement from Neighbors of Watertown. Neighbors of Watertown is a not-for-profit organization that works to create affordable housing for low-income residents and renovate blighted properties so they can be put to productive use. Mr. Beasley has proudly served his community as CEO for the past 38 years. Through his dedicated leadership, Mr. Beasley has played an instrumental role in revitalizing the Watertown community. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank Mr. Beasley for his years of hard work and dedication to his community, and wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Beulah Meloche for turning 111 years old. Ms. Meloche was born on November 23, 1906, in the town of Chazy, New York. At the time of her birth, Teddy Roosevelt was president and the average life expectancy was only 47 years. Having grown up in Plattsburgh, Ms. Meloche now resides happily at the RiverLedge Health Care Rehabilitation Center in Ogdensburg, New York. As a supercentenarian, Ms. Meloche is one of only about 70 like her in the United States. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am proud to wish Ms. Meloche all the best on her birthday. Her longevity is a testament to the human spirit and an inspiration for the country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of David Carr, a firefighter in the Brasher-Winthrop Volunteer Fire Department who died in the line of duty on November 4, 2017. David dedicated his life to serving others. After joining the Winthrop Volunteer Fire Department in 1979, he became Fire Chief of the department and maintained an active membership after his department merged with the firefighters of Brasher. David was also a member of the Tri-Town Volunteer Rescue Squad for 17 years, and served as chief for four years. In 2016, he was recognized for responding to the most calls of any EMT in his department. David was known by his colleagues as a trusted mentor and dedicated volunteer to the Tri-Town Community. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to David's family and friends, particularly his wife, Lisa. David was an exemplary member of the community and his countless sacrifices made on behalf of the 21st District will not be forgotten.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the brave actions of the first responders to a fire in Gloversville, New York. Due to the quick and decisive response of Gloversville police officers and firefighters, tragedy was averted in a burning house on Grand Street in the early morning of October 20, 2017. Upon discovery of the fire, Officer Melinda Palmer, Sergeant Robert Brown, Officer William Christman, Fire Department Battalion Chief Brandt Minkler, and Officer Ronald Reu were able to ensure the safety of the occupants, two of whom escaped without injury while two were hospitalized and are expected to fully recover. If not for the brave actions of these first responders, the outcomes for these individuals could have been drastically different. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank these firefighters and police officers for their bravery and decisive action, and honor the sacrifices that they have made for the community.