E296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 25, 1999 Innovation. In 1994, Judson Center was a fi- Anyway, I was a 14-year-old fan when I met TRIBUTE TO CAPE AND ISLANDS nalist in the Innovations in State and Local Wilmer and some of his fellow St. Louis Car- EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Government Award program, sponsored by dinals in Milwaukee. He gave me his auto- the Ford Foundation and the John F. Kennedy graphÐin fact, I still treasure those Cardinal School of Government. The Richard Huegli autographs todayÐand tickets to the game. HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT Award sponsored by United Community Serv- That's when ballplayers really were heroes to OF MASSACHUSETTS ices has been presented to the agency on two their fans, and when baseball was the indis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES occasions. In 1994 it received this award for putable National Pastime. its innovative Supported Employment program, You'll find Wilmer Mizell permanently listed Thursday, February 25, 1999 and in 1998 for its Living in Family Environ- in the baseball fan's bible, the Encyclopedia of Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ment initiative. Baseball. He pitched for the Cardinals, the to recognize the important work of Cape and Judson's leader, Mounir W. Sharobeen was Pittsburgh Pirates, and the New York Mets. Islands Emergency Medical Services on the awarded Executive of the Year by United He was a key addition for the Pirates in 1960, occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary on Feb- Community Services in 1990, and Michiganian when Pittsburgh capped an improbable World ruary 25, 1999. of the Year by the Detroit News in 1992. Series victory over the Yankees on Bill The Cape and Islands Emergency Medical Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Mazeroski's stunning home run. Wilmer then Services system was created in 1974 by a in congratulating Judson Center for 75 years performed the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of group of physicians, fire fighters and chiefs, of fulfilling its mission to help children, adults the grand old game by toiling for the expan- local officials and educators who recognized and families reach their fullest potential. I wish sion Mets. the need to develop a comprehensive para- them success in continuing to serve so many After a few years, Wilmer Mizell broke into medic training program and who had the vi- communities in need. another exclusive lineup. He was elected as a sion to create a system to provide advanced f Congressman from North Carolina. Wilmer life support ambulance services to the people served his district with distinction from 1968 to of the Cape and Islands. IN MEMORY OF WILMER ‘‘VINEGAR 1974. He would later serve in the Commerce Today, Cape and Islands EMS provides BEND’’ MIZELL Department under President Ford and in the these comprehensive services to 26 towns, 29 Agriculture Department under President SPEECH OF provider agencies, 5 hospitals and a fluctuat- Reagan. His easy-going style masked a savvy ing population of 200,000 in the winter months mind. HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY and over 1,000,000 during the summer. When I was a boy, I couldn't have imagined OF OHIO Cape and Islands EMS has made significant IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that I would meet Wilmer Mizell on the base- ball field again * * * only this time, as a Con- contributions to the delivery of health care on Wednesday, February 24, 1999 gressman. For years, Wilmer was a fixture at Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to offer a the congressional baseball game. As a long- through education, medical direction and over- tip of the old baseball cap to a great team time player, I can't tell you how much it meant sight, communications and administrative serv- playerÐWilmer Mizell. to have Wilmer at practice and at the game ices for EMS providers. I was saddened to learn of Wilmer's death itself. One of my great regrets in my first year After twenty-five years, Cape and Islands this past Sunday at the age of 68. It's appro- as manager of the Republican team is that EMS has become a leader in the delivery of priate that Congress put its appreciation of Wilmer won't be there to share his advice, high-quality emergency medical services. Its one of its most genial Members in the record wisdom, and wit. team has set a high standard of excellence, books. But we will all remember Wilmer Mizell always striving to exceed the needs and ex- I first came across Wilmer Mizell not as a when we rise for the National Anthem before pectations of the Cape and Islands medical Congressman from North Carolina, but as a the game this June. He was the essence of community as well as area residents. cagey major league pitcher known as ``Vinegar two traits common to success in baseball and Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in Bend'' on his baseball cards. Truly the kind of politics: good-hearted competition and real ca- congratulating the Cape and Islands EMS great baseball nickname I fondly remember maraderie. We'll miss this great ballplayer, System for twenty-five years of outstanding from my boyhood in the 1950's. great American, and truly good friend. service.