Susan C. Barnhart Post Office

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill, H.R. 5476, which designates the United States Postal Service facility in Washington Crossing, Buck County, Pennsylvania, located at 1077 River Road, as the Susan C. Barnhart Post Office.

Madam Speaker, last July 15, our community experienced a devastating tragedy, a tragedy where seven innocent lives, five adults and two children, were lost in a violent flash flood.

Among those we lost that fateful day was the extraordinary Susan Barnhart. Though she lived across the river in Titusville, New Jersey, Susan spent many years serving our community and was beloved by so many.

Susan was a model citizen, a dedicated public servant, and a beacon of warmth and kindness. She quickly became a comforting presence who customers in that post office and colleagues alike looked forward to seeing every single day at the Washington Crossing post office, where she dedicated her professional life.

As one of her customers beautifully put it: ``Susan was like sunshine, someone whose smiling face could light up your day the moment you walked in.''

Madam Speaker, Susan's loss, along with the loss of the other victims tragically lost on that day, has left an unimaginable void in our Bucks County community. Through this dedication, her spirit and legacy will continue to inspire every single one of us.

I would be remiss not to extend my sincere gratitude to several individuals, including JD Mullane, a Bucks County Courier Times reporter, for his suggestion to spearhead this initiative. JD's thoughtfulness has allowed us to pay tribute to Susan and honor her legacy in a profound and meaningful way. For that, we are all thankful.

I also want to take a moment to recognize several individuals whose remarkable efforts and actions safeguarded and supported our community in our time of need. I say this with absolute certainty: We are blessed to have some of the finest first responders and law enforcement officers serving our Bucks County community.

From the onset of the flooding, Upper Makefield Township Police and Fire Departments showcased their excellence and displayed extraordinary bravery, extraordinary courage, incredible selflessness, and incredible compassion. They were undoubtedly beacons of hope and light in one of our community's darkest hours.

Harry Vitello is one of our all-star Upper Makefield Township officers. Officer Vitello not only heroically led rescue operations but made it his mission to offer solace, empathy, and a steady hand to those in distress while ensuring our community remained informed. It was a master class in crisis communications, and I applaud and thank him for his outstanding efforts.

In addition, for over 50 years, the all-volunteer Upper Makefield Fire Company has been a stalwart guardian of our community. The leadership of Chief Tim Brewer and the entire fire company throughout the flooding exemplified the essence of civic duty and underscored the importance of selfless services.

Chief Brewer and his team worked tirelessly throughout the rescue operations, sparing no effort and leaving no stone unturned, bravely risking their lives without hesitation. I thank Chief Brewer and the entire Upper Makefield Fire Company, as always, for their service.

I thank Tom Cino, who served as chair of the Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors and as fire liaison, for his steadfast leadership and unwavering composure in coordinating efforts, providing essential resources, and ensuring that the families of all the victims felt the arms of our entire community around them.

Madam Speaker, amidst the darkness of last July, our community was able to find solace in uniting to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the heroic efforts of our law enforcement officers, our firefighters, our first responders, and all the elected officials who played a critical role in this recovery effort.

Today, we can find solace once more. Although Susan is no longer with us, dedicating this post office in her name and in her honor to recognize her legacy ensures that her legacy and spirit remain vibrant forever.

For Susan's family, while we can never bring back her radiant smile and her incredible compassion, each time we see her name honored in this place that she cherished, we will know her warmth and her joy continue to watch over our Washington Crossing and Bucks County community.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source