Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-15

HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD

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On 2026-05-15, Representative Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD" in the House.

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HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026)] [House] [Page H3544] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD (Mr. BRESNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Crawford, a devoted father, husband, loyal friend, and public servant, who spent his life answering the call when others needed help the most. As a firefighter and EMT with the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, he stood on the front lines of emergencies, protecting his neighbors and his community for 25 years. He truly embodied what it means to give to our community, serving not for recognition but because others depended on him. However, if you ask those who knew him best, they will tell you that his favorite role was not in uniform but at home with his family. He was the proud father of 12 children and a loving husband to his wife, Jessica. Over the last year, Michael courageously battled a terminal cancer diagnosis, but before he left this Earth, he had one last wish: to see his children graduate. That wish was fulfilled in three early graduation ceremonies, allowing him to see his two daughters receive their nursing diplomas and, through the support of his community, a special high school graduation ceremony held for his son. Today, we mourn his passing, but we also celebrate the life that reminds us of what truly matters: faith, family, service, and sacrifice. To his wife, his children, his EMT and fire department family, and all who love him, we extend our deepest condolences. To Michael Crawford, we offer our gratitude. May we honor his legacy not just with words but by striving to live with the same strength and unwavering devotion that he showed us every single day. ____________________

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HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 83 (Friday, May 15, 2026)] [House] [Page H3544] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MICHAEL CRAWFORD (Mr. BRESNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Crawford, a devoted father, husband, loyal friend, and public servant, who spent his life answering the call when others needed help the most. As a firefighter and EMT with the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, he stood on the front lines of emergencies, protecting his neighbors and his community for 25 years. He truly embodied what it means to give to our community, serving not for recognition but because others depended on him. However, if you ask those who knew him best, they will tell you that his favorite role was not in uniform but at home with his family. He was the proud father of 12 children and a loving husband to his wife, Jessica. Over the last year, Michael courageously battled a terminal cancer diagnosis, but before he left this Earth, he had one last wish: to see his children graduate. That wish was fulfilled in three early graduation ceremonies, allowing him to see his two daughters receive their nursing diplomas and, through the support of his community, a special high school graduation ceremony held for his son. Today, we mourn his passing, but we also celebrate the life that reminds us of what truly matters: faith, family, service, and sacrifice. To his wife, his children, his EMT and fire department family, and all who love him, we extend our deepest condolences. To Michael Crawford, we offer our gratitude. May we honor his legacy not just with words but by striving to live with the same strength and unwavering devotion that he showed us every single day. ____________________