Gabe Evans: “I rise today to thank the Thornton Fire Department, the Thornton Police Department, and every assisting first responder…”

“I rise today to thank the Thornton Fire Department, the Thornton Police Department, and every assisting first responder who rushed to the scene last week to extinguish a suburban wildfire in my district. As a former cop and Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter pilot who fought wildfires, I am proud of these first responders and their continued dedication to protecting our communities. What could have been a devastating disaster resulted in no loss of life or homes thanks to these brave heroes. However, as the Marshall fire, the worst wildfire in Colorado history, reminds us, suburban wildfires can become catastrophic, and emergency management funding is critical in disaster-prone regions like Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my Democrat colleagues to vote in favor of the Department of Homeland Security's appropriation bill and restore FEMA funding, emergency management funding, for my constituents and for constituents around the country.”