Recognizing First Responders in Laurel County, Kentucky

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of first responders in London and Laurel County who swiftly responded to rescue individuals after a deadly EF-4 tornado ripped through our region, leaving behind a 55-mile trail of destruction through three counties.

The violent storm took the lives of 19 individuals, 17 of whom were in Laurel County. Had it not been for the rapid response and coordination between police, fire, medical professionals, and good Samaritans, the loss of life would undoubtedly be higher. Within 24 hours, every life had been accounted for, despite the mass destruction. Heroic stories of rescues and make-shift tourniquets in the field have flooded our news sources, giving our entire Commonwealth a renewed sense of hope and confidence in those who serve and protect us here at home. Every department responded, along with support from the Kentucky National Guard and other emergency teams from across the state. Local churches and schools were opened in the early hours after the storm to give tornado survivors a safe place to shelter and recover. In the days following the storm, law enforcement officers from every department provided extra security for tornado survivors, holding ruthless looters accountable, setting up posts at disaster recovery centers and securing temporary housing locations with extra patrols.

The local first responders have gone above and beyond the call of duty throughout the rescue and recovery efforts, providing additional assistance to families in need of food, supplies, medicine and much more. It has become much more than emergency operations in London, Kentucky, this has been a mission of hope for a community that braved a harrowing disaster.

I salute every first responder and unsung hero who bravely responded to this disaster, including: London Police Department, Laurel County Sheriffs Office, London Fire Department, London Public Works, London/ Laurel County Rescue Squad, Kentucky State Police Post 11, Bush Volunteer Fire Department, Campground Volunteer Fire Department, Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, East Bernstadt Volunteer Fire Department, Keavy Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel County Fire Department, Lily Volunteer Department, McWhorter Volunteer Department, West Knox Volunteer Fire Department, Bald Rock Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel County Road Department, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 11, Saint Joseph Hospital, Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, Laurel County Schools Police, London Laurel 911 Center, Phi Air Medical Team and the AirEvac Medical Team.

The people of southern and eastern Kentucky have proven to be resilient through every storm and I have the utmost confidence that we will fully recover and rebuild once again.

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