Emanuel Cleaver: “Sometimes this well feels like the well of sorrow, and such is the case today. I rise to honor a true and selfless…”

“Sometimes this well feels like the well of sorrow, and such is the case today. I rise to honor a true and selfless public servant whose life was tragically taken before his time. Mr. Jeffery Sanders, a lifelong resident of Mayview, Missouri, and a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, June 19, 2017. I have decided that I will be praying through the weekend and next week for his family. Mr. Jacob Hayward was a man who gave a great deal to his community. He was seriously injured also in the same heartbreaking accident. Jeff was well known in the close-knit community of 200 residents, having been a farmer in Mayview all of his life. He and his wife, Connie, raised two wonderful children, who continue to live in Lafayette County in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Mr. Sanders dedicated much of his time to Mayview and its Fire Protection District. He could always be counted on to make a fire call and help someone in need. In all of his activities, Mr. Sanders demonstrated dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. He was actively involved in the Mayview Lions Club, the Mayview Area 4-H Club, the Antique Tractor Club, and the Odessa FFA Advisory Board, along with his work as a volunteer firefighter with the Mayview Fire Protection District. He also spent time serving on the Mayview Special Road District. Mr. Speaker, this family has given a great deal, and we owe a great deal to them. ____________________”