HONORING BILL GRUMMONS

On 2026-06-24, Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BILL GRUMMONS" in the House.

HONORING BILL GRUMMONS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H4214] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1030 HONORING BILL GRUMMONS (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a dedicated member of the city of Spokane Fire Department, Mr. Bill Grummons. Bill has been promoted to deputy chief of training and safety in the department. As deputy chief, Bill will oversee and support members of the department in their training to help them become better prepared for the challenges of the fire service. Bill's collaborative leadership style and commitment to improvement within the department will benefit both personnel and the community greatly. Bill joined the Spokane Fire Department in February 2012. During his career, he served as a firefighter at Station 4, lieutenant at Station 1, captain in staffing at Station 18, and battalion chief of the south battalion. With the increased risk of wildfires in eastern Washington, it is a good reminder that it is brave and talented men and women, like Bill, that we need in charge. With his years of experience and commitment to the department, I have no doubt he will do incredible things to strengthen the Spokane Fire Department and help take care of our wonderful community. Please join me in congratulating Bill Grummons on this well-deserved promotion and wishing him nothing but continued success in his new role. Whitworth University Launching Nursing Program Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to share the wonderful news that Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, is launching a new bachelor of science in nursing program to strengthen care and address critical nursing shortages across the Northwest. The school is set to launch in the fall of 2027. This 4-year BSN program reflects Whitworth's commitment to addressing the growing demand for highly trained nurses across the Pacific Northwest. This program is designed to expand access to high-quality nursing education while preparing graduates to serve in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. The BSN program will be housed in Hawthorne Hall, which is being transformed into a dedicated 22,500-square-foot nursing education facility. The space will feature state-of-the-art simulation and skill labs designed to prepare students for real-world healthcare environments. I commend Whitworth University for launching its new nursing program, a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the Northwest. This investment will create new pathways for students, support our hospitals and clinics, and help ensure families across the region have access to high-quality care for years. Remembering Frankie DeWitt Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a dear friend, a great patriot, and a wonderful citizen of eastern Washington, Mrs. Frankie DeWitt. Frankie was an extraordinary woman whose kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to others and to public service touched countless lives across our community. Frankie was born in Oregon. With her father, a civil engineer, she traveled extensively throughout her childhood, living in Okinawa, Afghanistan, and Iran. It helped shape her lifelong approach to seeing people as they were and treating everyone with dignity and grace. Frankie was a dedicated volunteer in the arts and at her church, and she spent 50 years involved in local conservative and Republican politics. Frankie served as State committeewoman, GOP chair in Yakima, and northeast chair for the Washington Federation of Republican Women. She worked tirelessly to strengthen our party, support candidates, and encourage civic engagement across eastern Washington. When I first ran for office in 2010 for the State senate, Frankie was a member of my campaign's brain trust. Her wise advice and sometimes critical guidance, always delivered with kindness, were essential to our success. I specifically remember Frankie telling me not to ride in cars in parades but to get out and shake hands with the public. As I have continued my political career, Frankie's influence has remained with me. The values she lived by--service, compassion, and commitment to others--continue to serve as a reminder of why we do this work. Frankie is now reunited with her beloved late husband, Tom. She leaves behind three wonderful children and seven granddaughters. Her memory remains a blessing, and her legacy lives on for the countless lives she touched. As we celebrate these 250 years of our wonderful America, it reminds me that it is civically minded people like Frankie DeWitt who continue to keep this wonderful Republic. ____________________