Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-20

HONORING MARY RICH

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On 2026-05-20, Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MARY RICH" in the House.

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HONORING MARY RICH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MARY RICH ______ HON. CHELLIE PINGREE of maine in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the leadership of Mary Rich as the Deputy Chief of New Gloucester Rescue. Across more than 32 years of dedicated public service, Mary has played a vital role in the success of the department and the safety of New Gloucester residents. Mary began her career as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, rising over time to Deputy Chief. She has overseen tremendous change during her tenure--including the merging of the Fire and Rescue Departments, the launch of a new ambulance transport service, and the expansion of per diem staffing to provide 24/7 EMS coverage. The growth of the department would not have been possible without Mary's steadfast determination and tireless advocacy on behalf of the Rescue team and broader New Gloucester community. In 2025, she was honored with the New Gloucester Chief's Award of Emergency Medical Services for her leadership, and her family has proudly carried on her legacy of public service. Her daughter Molly Fitzgerald and her son-in-law Hale Fitzgerald have also served on the Rescue team. Mary's years of contributions to the department have left New Gloucester a safer community, better equipped to respond to and prevent emergencies. I commend Mary for an outstanding career dedicated to protecting public safety. I wish her the best of luck in her next chapter. ____________________

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HONORING MARY RICH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E471] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MARY RICH ______ HON. CHELLIE PINGREE of maine in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the leadership of Mary Rich as the Deputy Chief of New Gloucester Rescue. Across more than 32 years of dedicated public service, Mary has played a vital role in the success of the department and the safety of New Gloucester residents. Mary began her career as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, rising over time to Deputy Chief. She has overseen tremendous change during her tenure--including the merging of the Fire and Rescue Departments, the launch of a new ambulance transport service, and the expansion of per diem staffing to provide 24/7 EMS coverage. The growth of the department would not have been possible without Mary's steadfast determination and tireless advocacy on behalf of the Rescue team and broader New Gloucester community. In 2025, she was honored with the New Gloucester Chief's Award of Emergency Medical Services for her leadership, and her family has proudly carried on her legacy of public service. Her daughter Molly Fitzgerald and her son-in-law Hale Fitzgerald have also served on the Rescue team. Mary's years of contributions to the department have left New Gloucester a safer community, better equipped to respond to and prevent emergencies. I commend Mary for an outstanding career dedicated to protecting public safety. I wish her the best of luck in her next chapter. ____________________