December 4, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1091 IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE teachings of Isaiah the prophet: When the CONGRATULATING AARON W. AND LEGACY OF SCOTT DAVIDSON righteous man perishes, he is taken away SUTHERLAND from calamity and enters into peace. A loving HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER father, a dutiful public servant, and a beloved HON. JOE CUNNINGHAM OF community member, Scott has rightfully OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES earned the eternal peace that is awarded to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the righteous man. Friday, December 4, 2020 Friday, December 4, 2020 The thoughts of the Kansas City community Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, with feel- and the Fifth Congressional District are with Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise ings of sorrow, reverence, and immense grati- Robin and their three children, Scott’s ex- today to recognize the election of Aaron W. tude, I rise today to honor the memory of tended family, and the innumerable Kansas Sutherland to the Newport Board of Education Scott Davidson, who passed away last week City Fire Department employees who were for- in Newport, Kentucky. after his battle with the coronavirus. As a tunate enough to work with him. Our commu- Aaron is a proud son of Carrollton, Kentucky proud member of the Kansas City Fire Depart- nity is mourning the untimely death of a young where he set out at an early age to serve his ment, Scott spent over a third of his life serv- father, but we are also celebrating a life dedi- community. Aaron was active in student gov- ing and protecting the people of Kansas City, cated to serving and saving others. Madam ernment at every level of his academic career Missouri. Speaker, please join me in honoring Scott’s and he has always been devoted to helping Scott started his career with the Kansas City legacy and offering our deepest condolences others. In fact, I met Aaron while we were Fire Department in 2002 as a communication to his family. I also ask that you, other mem- both serving on the Student Bar Association of specialist with the Municipal Ambulance Serv- bers of the House of Representatives, and the the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Aaron ices Trust, which provided emergency medical American people remember Scott and his fam- believed that service to his colleagues re- services to the Kansas City area. As a com- ily’s sacrifice as we continue to combat the quired action to advance their causes. His in- munication specialist, Scott served as the Coronavirus pandemic. quisitive and civic-minded attitude is infectious, calming voice on the other side of the phone and those who know him know that he has tasked with reassuring distressed families that f their best interest at heart. help was on the way. Scott’s calm demeanor Aaron is a proud attorney, and devotes him- and steady hand provided much needed hope PERSONAL EXPLANATION self to helping his clients. In addition to prac- in moments of darkness. Indeed, Scott helped ticing law, he is also a civil servant His time ease worried minds, but more importantly, he HON. dedicated to both the Depart- played a vital role in saving countless lives ment of Labor and the United States Social OF PENNSYLVANIA throughout the city we call home. In 2010, Security Administration demonstrates his pas- Scott became a paramedic for the Depart- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sion for serving others. ment, joining a team that served as the first Friday, December 4, 2020 Aaron also believes in public education. response to desperate cries for help. Each in- This year, Aaron set out to serve the children dividual who, in a moment of crisis, called on Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I and teachers of Newport, Kentucky. He was Scott for help will forever remember and ap- was absent from the House on December 3, elected on a platform of putting the students preciate his heroic, lifesaving efforts as he 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted first, and that is exactly what he will do as a sprang into action at a moment’s notice. For nay on Roll Call No. 230, nay on Roll Call No. member of that body. Aaron believes that ev- Scott, as with countless paramedics across 231, and yea on Roll Call No. 232. eryone deserves a high-quality education and the country, saving lives and offering hope he will work to make sure that all students was the inspiration that prompted him to raise f have the opportunity to succeed. his hand and volunteer to risk his life for his PERSONAL EXPLANATION The people of Newport are lucky to have community. In the days leading up to his un- Aaron serving on their Board of Education, timely death, he was still on the frontlines, dis- and I am lucky to call him my friend. patching first responders to help those stricken HON. f by the same deadly virus that would eventu- OF NORTH CAROLINA ally claim his own life. RECOGNIZING SUPERVISOR JOHN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES More than anything, Scott was a man of GRAY faith who was a joy to all those who met him. Friday, December 4, 2020 Described by those who worked with him as Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam HON. TOM McCLINTOCK having a personality and heart that was larger Speaker, due to a test indicating a positive re- OF CALIFORNIA than life, Scott and his wife, Robin, treated the sult for a COVID–19 infection during the most IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES firefighters at Station 33 as if they were mem- recent district work period, I was unable to Friday, December 4, 2020 bers of their own family. Together they cele- travel to the Capitol to vote on December 3, brated the birth of every child in their fire sta- 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise tion family, provided baked goods and treats NAY on Roll Call No. 230; NAY on Roll Call to recognize John Gray for his devoted service to those working at the station during the holi- No. 231; and NAY on Roll Call No. 232. as a Tuolumne County Supervisor. days, and mourned with the families of other Supervisor Gray was first elected to serve first responders who gave their lives in the line the 4th District of Tuolumne County in 2008 f of duty. and has represented the people of this county Jackson County, Missouri has seen 175 PERSONAL EXPLANATION and his district with passion, commitment and neighbors, friends, and family members die integrity ever since. from this virus. Scott, Captain Robert Rocha, Supervisor Gray is well known for his many and EMT Billy Birmingham are the first three HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY accomplishments and contributions to the of Kansas City’s finest first responders who OF VIRGINIA community, including his leadership during an have succumbed to Coronavirus while helping IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES economic recession in 2008, acquiring grant save others. Scott dedicated over a third of his Friday, December 4, 2020 funds to construct two Community Resilience life to serving Kansas City and its people. My Centers as well as two new Detention Facili- fervent hope is that Scott’s death will serve as Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I unfortu- ties, and his consistent participation in fuels a reminder that we must stand together in the nately failed to register my vote on the motion reduction and fire protection work. John has face of the adversity that plagues us. Wearing to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, also been an instrumental leader for a special a protective mask, social distancing, and get- H.R. 1380, the Big Cat Public Safety Act. tax in support of Tuolumne County Ambulance ting tested not only protects you from getting While casting a proxy vote for my colleague, in Groveland and implementing requirements sick; it also ensures that first responders like I unintentionally overlooked casting my own of the Health Care and Public Safety realign- Scott can go home to their families at the end vote purely by oversight. As a cosponsor of ments. of the day without worrying whether they or the bill and having just cast a proxy vote for In his 12 years of service, John Gray will be their loved ones will get sick. In times of un- the bill clearly I would have voted YEA on Roll remembered by the partnerships he built, his foreseen tragedy, I am comforted by the Call No. 232. commitment to be a good steward of taxpayer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:42 Dec 07, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04DE8.015 E04DEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS E1092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 4, 2020 dollars and his constant focus on improving more and more with pandemic-related emer- MARTHA GRACE FIELDS, CON- the lives of every resident of Tuolumne Coun- gency calls In Kansas City, more than 200 GRESSIONAL AWARD SILVER ty. members of the fire department have tested MEDALIST Supervisor John Gray has truly been an positive and seventy-three are currently in- asset to Tuolumne County in making it a more fected. Captain Rocha likely came into contact HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL prosperous place for small businesses and a with ten to fifteen COVID–19 each and every OF more desirable community for residents and day while in uniform. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES visitors. It is my privilege to rise today in rec- And then, the worst happened. In early No- Friday, December 4, 2020 ognition of his distinguished public service. vember, Captain Rocha went into quarantine f and was eventually hospitalized. He fought the Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise today disease valiantly, with the same vigor and to recognize the outstanding work of Martha RECOGNIZING MAJOR BRETT verve with which he fought fires and saved Grace Fields. Martha is an exceptional young KUHRT lives for nearly three decades. But as Captain woman who was recently announced as a Sil- Rocha no doubt taught the young firefighters ver Medalist for the Congressional Award, one HON. he trained, not all battles can be won; and on of the highest honors presented to America’s OF MICHIGAN November 21th, Captain Rocha made his way youth. The Congressional Award Foundation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES toward eternal peace. He was sixty years old. was created to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Martha has Friday, December 4, 2020 Captain Rocha will be remembered in the community as a courageous public servant demonstrated the core components of this Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my and a generous leader. We will never forget award through her servant heart and un- honor to recognize the tremendous work of his selflessness, his humility, or the twenty- matched work ethic. She gave back to her Major Brett Kuhrt during his time as my of- nine years he dedicated to our safety and local community by completing over two-hun- fice’s legislative fellow. Major Kuhrt’s leader- peace of mind. His team will remember him as dred hours of public service. Beyond her serv- ship, work ethic, and commitment to public a mentor who trained and prepared them for ice to others, she put in hundreds of hours of service have made him an integral part of our the risks that they faced every day on the job. personal development by competing on her team. His family and friends remember him as loving high school swim team and enrolling in numer- In a year of unprecedented challenges, Brett man with a good sense of humor and an in- ous leadership courses and seminars. Addi- has helped countless constituents in Michi- credible ability to inspire those around him. tionally, Martha was one of the first females to gan’s First District with everything from navi- They remember Captain Rocha as man who receive the highest honor in Boy Scouts, the gating federal agencies to answering in-depth would do anything for anybody. They say peo- rank of Eagle Scout. Simultaneously, she re- policy questions. He has shown a keen ability ple looked up to him ‘‘like he was Hercules.’’ ceived the highest rank in the Sea Scouts, to tackle complex issues ranging from national And throughout his life, Captain Rocha always Quartermaster. Martha’s continued hard work security and defense to veterans and labor proved to be a decent, dependable man—a has not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to policy, crafting legislative policy and providing man who loved to ride his motorcycle, sing sec her receive the recognition she deserves. technical support to staff. Brett has also dis- karaoke, and spend time with friends at the I would like to congratulate Martha for her im- played a true willingness to serve in multiple Outpost Bar and Grill. pressive achievements at such a young age capacities, always lending a hand when need- and I look forward to seeing her continued ed, no questions asked. He has set a high ‘‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as success and leadership. standard for future fellows and is an out- f standing example of the best of the U.S. Air a ransom for many,’’ scripture tells us This Force. has been a year of loss, a year of painful HONORING PRESIDENT JERRY Madam Speaker, on behalf of myself and goodbyes, and a year of empty seats at the RAWLINGS OF GHANA my staff, I thank Major Kuhrt for his excep- dinner table. But it also a year of heroes. The tional work on behalf of Michigan’s First Con- doctors, nurses, medical students, nursing stu- dents, EMTs, firefighters, and ordinary Ameri- HON. gressional District, and I wish him all the best OF CALIFORNIA in his future endeavors. cans who have placed their health in the hands of God to save others. Heroes who IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f have come to serve the wellbeing of complete Friday, December 4, 2020 IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE strangers. And, all too often, heroes who have Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, AND MEMORY OF CAPTAIN ROB- given their lives as ransom for untold millions. today we honor the extraordinary life and ca- ERT ‘‘BOBBY’’ ROCHA Heroes like Captain Rocha. reer of Jerry Rawlings, the former President of Today, my prayers are with Captain’s Ghana. HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER Rocha’s family, his friends, and all his brothers He was born on June 22, 1947 in Accra, OF MISSOURI and sisters at Station 18. Let it be preserved Ghana to his loving mother Victoria Agbotuni. in this timeless Record that his loss leaves us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He received his education from the Achimota with a grief that cannot be weighed and debt Secondary School, graduating in 1966 with his Friday, December 4, 2020 that cannot be paid. His legacy lives on in the general education certification. While in school Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise countless lives he touched and saved. So, he became well known for his love of Polo today with a heavy and tired heart to honor Madam Speaker, let us honor Captain Rocha. and his willingness to speak out about injus- the life of fire Captain Robert Joseph ‘‘Bobby’’ Let us remember the light he brought with him tice. Rocha. Captain Rocha was a beloved, giving, everywhere he went. And, whatever we do in In 1967 he enlisted in the Ghanaian Air vibrant soul, who lost his life last week after Congress today, tomorrow, next week, next Force and became a flight cadet. Shortly after- battling a COVID–19 infection he caught in the year let the story of Captain Rocha sit at my ward, he was selected to attend the Ghana line of duty. Captain Rocha gave twenty-nine chair in this Chamber. Let the stories of his Military Academy and Training School. Upon years of honorable service to the Kansas City fallen brothers, Billy Birmingham and Scott completing his training in 1969 he was award- Fire Department, and while his life was cut Davidson, walk with me through these halls. ed the ‘‘Speed Bird Trophy’’ acknowledging short, we must ensure that his memory is Let those stories remind us all that we have a his top ranking status in flying and airmanship. never forgotten. part to play. Let them remind us of our duty Nine years later he earned the rank Flight- Captain Rocha began at the fire department to serve. Lieutenant. back in 1991, the same year I was sworn in In the coming days, flags across my state During his career in the military, he began as Mayor of Kansas City. Since then, I have will fly at half-staff to honor Captain Rocha, to observe how corruption, privilege, and injus- watched from afar as he rose to the rank of dutiful Americans will wear masks and adhere tice impact soldiers and the people they are Captain while earning the respect and admira- to social distancing, and first responders will sworn to protect. tion of his fellow firefighters and the city he wake up again and again to walk into a weary His concerns about Ghana’s future led him protected. When the coronavirus hit, Captain nightmare that we have the power to make to become an outspoken critic of the corrup- Rocha knew the fire department was in for a less dark. Captain Rocha gave his life to save tion and mismanagement he saw from the long haul. During this past year, firefighters others. We can never repay that debt. But it country’s military leaders and called for more around the country have been assisting EMTs is our duty to try. attention to the plight of Ghana’s poor.

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