Mark Kennedy: “I rise today to honor Tara Ogle, a paramedic in St. Cloud, Minnesota, as this year's recipient of the Minnesota Stars of…”

“I rise today to honor Tara Ogle, a paramedic in St. Cloud, Minnesota, as this year's recipient of the Minnesota Stars of Life award. The Stars of Life award is given each year to an emergency medical service professional who has demonstrated outstanding service to their profession through communication skills, customer service, and job performance. Nominated by her team captain in St. Cloud, Tara exemplifies the quality of bravery and caring held by EMS professionals. For example, she recently responded to a call from a family whose child had died. While the parents, understandably distraught, were handling matters with local law enforcement, Tara took extra time with their children and explained what had happened in terms that they could understand. Often in intense emotional situations like this, the needs of children are overlooked. Tara made sure that this did not happen and did her best to ensure that the other children were comforted during this difficult time. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Tara Ogle and all EMS professionals on their hard work and dedication to their jobs and patients and to our communities.”