Recognizing Teller County Emergency Services

Floor Speech

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Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Teller County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue for their lifesaving work to keep roads clear and restore power during a record-breaking winter storm in March of 2024. This storm brought 40 inches of snow and caused widespread power outages and disruptions to essential services across Teller County.

Staff from the Teller County OEM, led by Director Jay Teagues, and the Teller County Public Works Department, led by Director Fred Clifford, worked throughout the storm to clear roadways and remove snow from over 500 miles of mountainous roadways in the county. Alongside Teller County Search and Rescue volunteers, they worked to restore traffic, respond to emergency calls, and bring back power to residents.

Tragically, two Teller County residents lost their lives as a result of the storm. Without the heroic efforts of the Teller County OEM, Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue, as well as neighbors helping each other during times of need, the death toll could have been much higher. Under some of the most extreme conditions possible, these Teller County employees did an exemplary job of saving lives during this storm.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize the Teller County Office of Emergency Management, Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue teams for their outstanding work and service to our communities.

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