Recognizing Ilwaco Fire Department As Firehouse of the Year
Floor Speech
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Ilwaco Fire Department, which was recently recognized as the Firehouse of the Year by the Washington State Fire Fighters' Association.
First responders and firefighters are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe, and many of them are doing this as volunteers because they are committed to serving their community.
At the Ilwaco Fire Department, the ambulance component is entirely run and operated by their volunteers. Whether it is a wildfire or a house flood, our first responders are constantly prepared for emergencies throughout our community.
In this last year, the Ilwaco Fire Department was responsible for transporting more than 200 patients and traveling over 23,000 miles. The crucial role they play can't be done without proper funding, which is why I will always fight to bring back the Federal dollars they deserve. I am honored to have such a hardworking and outstanding fire department in my district.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the brave members of the Ilwaco Fire Department, and a special thanks to Sparky, the fire dog, for keeping everyone's spirits high.
21-Year-Old Andrew Okerlund Summits 100 Highest Peaks in Washington State in 85 Days
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Okerlund, a young mountain climber in my district. Last summer, Andrew became the 91st person to summit the 100 highest peaks in Washington State, which he accomplished in just 85 days. This list of summits is known as the Bulger List or the Bulger 100.
Okerlund turned 21 this past March, making him the youngest person ever to complete the Bulger List. He started his climbing journey just 2 years prior, when he became inspired by the stories of other young people who had competed in the 100 summits.
Andrew's meticulous planning and grit was evident throughout his trek. From precise meal planning to his high standards for climbing partners, each decision made in the 85 days was deliberate.
Andrew Okerlund's accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and strength. I applaud him for such an impressive feat. Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell Named STEM Rising Star
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angelina Rodriguez- Caldwell, a freshman at Kelso High School. Angelina was just named the Southwest Washington STEM's Rising Star in recognition of her work as an active member in her school's medical club, known as ClubMED. Her time in ClubMED has allowed her to participate as well as lead a variety of events and conferences.
This upcoming school year, Angelina will serve as the ClubMED president, allowing her educational opportunities to continue to grow in the medical field. Her teachers have shared that she excels in communication, work ethic, and spirit, rising to challenges above her grade level.
Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell has made her teachers and community extremely proud. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning. Her success with ClubMED shows how much students can accomplish when they are given the tools to work on issues they are interested in. I congratulate Angelina. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next. PSP Shuts Down Shellfish Fishing in Willapa Bay
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a recent harmful spike in paralytic shellfish poisoning, known as PSP, that has partially shut down shellfish fishing in Willapa Bay.
The PSP biotoxin is caused by a harmful microorganism that can spread in coastal waters. This spike was the first to cause commercial closures in Willapa Bay since 1997.
The shellfish industry plays a critical role in southwest Washington's economy and ecosystem. However, due to this outbreak, most commercial shellfish farming was halted for over 10 days, costing growers, their families, and employees financial hardship and challenges.
Testing requirements have put constraints on growers, and shutting down harvesting operations has threatened the jobs of hundreds of southwest Washingtonians. Imagine what 10 days of lost pay would do to your ability to pay rent or make a payment on your car.
I stand by the shellfish farmers during this difficult time. Local farmers are a staple in southwest Washington, and it is essential that they get the support they need to be able to continue their operations. My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation as more information is discovered. Remembering Mayor Rob Gordon
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Rob Gordon of Bucoda, who recently passed away after battling stomach cancer.
Mayor Gordon was born in Centralia and remained a lifelong resident of southwest Washington. Before and during his tenure as mayor, Gordon was the assistant chief of the Bucoda Fire Department and has been serving as a firefighter since the age of 16.
In addition to serving the public, Mayor Gordon also worked for his family's company that he co-owned with his brother, where he drove dump and log trucks. Outside of work, he enjoyed raising cattle on his family farm, collecting old International tractors, and teaching these skills and values to his children, Jakob and Anna.
Mayor Gordon was the epitome of a servant leader, and the impact he had on our community cannot be overstated. He was old school, tough, fair-minded, and at times reserved, but he always gave people the chance to be the best version of themselves.
This loss will be felt by many, and his life of service and dedication to Bucoda will echo forever. My thoughts are with his family, Miriam, Jakob, and Anna and loved ones grieving this devastating loss.
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