Recognizing Georgia Forestry Commission Firefighters

Text in the Record

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the service and bravery of the hundreds of Georgia Forestry Commission personnel, volunteers, and paid firefighters who worked to suppress wildfires that ravaged over 50,000 acres in south Georgia this year. Since April, these fires forced hundreds of families from their homes across south Georgia. Combined, the Highway 82 Fire and Pineland Road Fire have destroyed over a hundred homes. State officials have said both fires are now fully contained, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Hundreds of volunteer and paid firefighters have been working around the clock to stop these devastating fires to protect our communities. Since 1921, the Georgia Forestry Commission has provided leadership, service, and education to protect and conserve Georgia's forest resources, including defending our State from over 2,300 wildfires annually. These firefighters have now added another chapter to this proud legacy, defeating these unprecedented fires with professionalism and dedication under the leadership of GFC director Johnny Sabo. With gratitude for their service, as Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and

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commend these Georgia Forestry Commission personnel, volunteers, and paid firefighters for answering the call once more on behalf of the State of Georgia.

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