Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-12

HONORING BRENDA GORMLEY'S LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE

TaxesEnvironmentCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-01-12, Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX-26) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BRENDA GORMLEY'S LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING BRENDA GORMLEY'S LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E26-E27] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BRENDA GORMLEY'S LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE _____ HON. BRANDON GILL of texas in the house of representatives Monday, January 12, 2026 Mr. GILL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Brenda Gormley and to honor her 24 years of distinguished public service to Denton County, Texas. Her commitment to emergency preparedness and volunteer training strengthened Denton County and North Texas, leaving a lasting legacy. Brenda's involvement in emergency preparedness began in 2005 when she was introduced to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) during a visit to the Highland Village Fire Department. What started as a simple inquiry quickly turned into a lifelong passion. She served as a CERT manager and instructor, earning recognition as a Texas CERT Master Instructor. After Hurricane Katrina, Brenda served as a shelter manager and helped establish the Denton County CERT program at the request of Assistant Chief Roland Asebedo. Starting with fewer than a dozen volunteers, she grew the program into one of the most respected in Texas, expanding it to more than 500 background-checked, active members who received free, hands-on training open to all Denton County residents. Under Brenda's dedicated leadership, Denton County's Citizen Corps Council received the National Award for Outstanding Citizen Corps Council in 2009. She served as Secretary of the Denton County VOAD Citizen Corps Council and as Past Chair of the North Central Texas Regional Citizen Corps Council, helping implement, expand, and sustain Citizen Corps programs regionally and statewide. Brenda's significant contributions to community preparedness and public service were recognized by Governor Greg Abbott at the state level and President Barack Obama nationally. Brenda also helped develop the G517 CERT Master Instructor curriculum and the G417 CERT refresher curriculum for Texas. In 2011, she was honored as the first recipient of the Jack Colley Citizen Corps Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and service. She further enhanced Denton County CERT by creating specialized response teams, often called upon to assist first responders. Mr. Speaker, Brenda Gormley embodied the true spirit of public service and neighbors helping neighbors. I request my colleagues to join me in honoring her extraordinary dedication and contributions to the safety and security of her neighbors in Denton County and across Texas. Our sincere condolences go to her family, friends, and colleagues. [[Page E27]] ____________________

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HONORING BRENDA GORMLEY'S LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E26-E27] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BRENDA GORMLEY'S LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE _____ HON. BRANDON GILL of texas in the house of representatives Monday, January 12, 2026 Mr. GILL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Brenda Gormley and to honor her 24 years of distinguished public service to Denton County, Texas. Her commitment to emergency preparedness and volunteer training strengthened Denton County and North Texas, leaving a lasting legacy. Brenda's involvement in emergency preparedness began in 2005 when she was introduced to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) during a visit to the Highland Village Fire Department. What started as a simple inquiry quickly turned into a lifelong passion. She served as a CERT manager and instructor, earning recognition as a Texas CERT Master Instructor. After Hurricane Katrina, Brenda served as a shelter manager and helped establish the Denton County CERT program at the request of Assistant Chief Roland Asebedo. Starting with fewer than a dozen volunteers, she grew the program into one of the most respected in Texas, expanding it to more than 500 background-checked, active members who received free, hands-on training open to all Denton County residents. Under Brenda's dedicated leadership, Denton County's Citizen Corps Council received the National Award for Outstanding Citizen Corps Council in 2009. She served as Secretary of the Denton County VOAD Citizen Corps Council and as Past Chair of the North Central Texas Regional Citizen Corps Council, helping implement, expand, and sustain Citizen Corps programs regionally and statewide. Brenda's significant contributions to community preparedness and public service were recognized by Governor Greg Abbott at the state level and President Barack Obama nationally. Brenda also helped develop the G517 CERT Master Instructor curriculum and the G417 CERT refresher curriculum for Texas. In 2011, she was honored as the first recipient of the Jack Colley Citizen Corps Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and service. She further enhanced Denton County CERT by creating specialized response teams, often called upon to assist first responders. Mr. Speaker, Brenda Gormley embodied the true spirit of public service and neighbors helping neighbors. I request my colleagues to join me in honoring her extraordinary dedication and contributions to the safety and security of her neighbors in Denton County and across Texas. Our sincere condolences go to her family, friends, and colleagues. [[Page E27]] ____________________