HONORING BATTALION CHIEF TONY R. GARRISON

On 2024-12-20, Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BATTALION CHIEF TONY R. GARRISON" in the House. The speech addressed the environment.

HONORING BATTALION CHIEF TONY R. GARRISON

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1327-E1328] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BATTALION CHIEF TONY R. GARRISON ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Friday, December 20, 2024 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor Battalion Chief Tony R. Garrison who was killed in the line of duty on September 27 when Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina. Tony was a native of Western North Carolina and by every account, Tony was a great man. Known for his outgoing personality and compassionate nature, Tony enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his family. Tony leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 28 years, Mary Chantelle Garrison, his daughter Hannah, and his son Dylan. I would like to extend my appreciation for the work he accomplished during his time with the U.S. Forest Service, as a volunteer with the Garren Creek Fire Department, member of the Buncombe County Task Force, and as an instructor at A-B Tech in Asheville. Tony dedicated his life to serving others and protecting his neighbors. As a Battalion Chief with the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Tony was used to running towards danger when others would run away. Friday, September 27 was a day of confusion and destruction in Western North Carolina. Helene made landfall Thursday night and by Friday morning millions of people were left [[Page E1328]] without cell service, power, or any way to contact the outside world as trees fell and landslides washed away their houses, neighbors, and family members. Tony's community of Fairview saw historic levels of flooding and suffered from catastrophic damage. During the confusion, Tony did what he was trained to do and what he spent his life doing--helping save others. While Tony worked with his nephew Brandon Ruppe to rescue neighbors during a landslide, a second landslide occurred and both Tony and Brandon tragically passed away from their injuries. I offer my deepest condolences to the Garrison family. I will continue to keep them and their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. Tony is a hero and will be remembered for his lifetime of service. ____________________