On the recordJune 20, 2019
I proudly rise today to recognize and honor firefighters from my district in Davie County, North Carolina, who battled an early morning fire caused by a lightning strike earlier this week. Thanks to their efforts and heroism, Mr. Speaker, a church building was spared. Around 3:30 a.m. this Tuesday, Davie County firefighters responded to a fire at Smith Grove United Methodist Church along U.S. Highway 158 in Mocksville. When the firefighters arrived on the scene, flames were bursting out of the roof and immediate action was needed to stop the flames, according to Smith Grove Fire Chief Don Howard. Even though the lightning strike caused the steeple to fall off the roof of the church, the firefighters pressed on to fight the flames and save the majority of the building. I am grateful for the service of these men and women, many of whom are volunteers, who every day put themselves in danger to keep our families and our communities safe. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the departments that responded, which included Smith Grove, Farmington, Cornatzer-Dulin, Mocksville, the Cooleemee Fire Departments; Davie EMS; Davie County Fire Marshal's Office; and the Davie County Sheriff's Office. I thank these heroes and others like them in our country. ____________________
