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REGULAR MEETING October 22, 2018
<br /> Steve Cox, Fire Chief for the South Bend Fire Department with offices located at 1222 South
<br /> Michigan Street, South Bend, IN stated, It's really important, I think, for everybody in this
<br /> community to realize that this didn't happen by accident at all. I have the privilege of coming
<br /> before the Council every year to present our budget.Every year at budget time,I make sure I bring
<br /> to you and the citizens of South Bend the professionalism,the capacity and the capabilities of this
<br /> team and how strong they are in what they do. This team was requested for specifically by the
<br /> State of North Carolina by colleagues of several members of this team that are nationally known.
<br /> I cannot overstate, I can't say this enough, the professionalism, the capacity, the capabilities and
<br /> the competence that this local team provides. When the chips were down in North Carolina and
<br /> there were people to be rescued,they wanted our team there to be able to help them in some of the
<br /> worst parts of the State where the flooding and hurricane were all happening. I would also like to
<br /> thank, because a lot of them are in attendance today, the family members and friends of the team
<br /> members. It goes without saying. They went to North Carolina, they rode the storm out, they are
<br /> from Indiana so I'm guessing none of them have lived through a hurricane before, but long story
<br /> short, obviously their families were concerned for their well-being, safety and everything along
<br /> those lines. They went, selflessly, to help their fellow Man in North Carolina. I just want to give
<br /> kudos to everyone on the team and I appreciate the Council's support of all the activities they take
<br /> part in all year long.
<br /> Battalion Chief Chris Baker announced and introduced area firefighters who were in attendance
<br /> representing the other areas of the MABAS 2001-Indiana District Two (2) US&R/Technical
<br /> Rescue Team.
<br /> Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, I just want to thank you all for representing
<br /> Indiana so well. It is exciting to see us all working together and even more exciting, thank you
<br /> Chief for sharing,that we were specifically requested and asked for. I have seen the work that you
<br /> guys do in the East Race. It is really exciting what is happening right here in South Bend. You are
<br /> an excellent and shining example. You risk your lives for us every day. Thank you.
<br /> Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, I echo the same thing. I thank you all for your service
<br /> and you are second (2nd) to none with your work and your ethic. It is resounding in the State and
<br /> Nationally. Again,job well-done and I'm grateful you all came home safely.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Thank you for your service, particularly in an emergency
<br /> situation that you were called to and responded to. I guess I want to say your ability to go there
<br /> hinges,as already has been indicated,on your families.I would daresay also the other professionals
<br /> who fill in your slots,right?I don't know who in the audience is here in terms of the backfill folks
<br /> who are public service officials but I would actually like the families to stand up and receive a
<br /> round of applause before the night is done. You do it every day, right? You send your loved ones
<br /> into harms way but I think there is a particular element of gratitude that we feel and, certainly,the
<br /> individuals in the communities that you go and rescue feel. You stepped up to do that and you
<br /> answered the call. I love the fact, as someone has said, and it comes to mind,that we sent our best.
<br /> You are doing the best work. So congratulations for your hard work, the training, the high degree
<br /> of professionalism and most importantly the amazing services you provide in an emergency
<br /> situation.
<br /> Councilmember Jake Teshka stated, I would just like to echo what Councilmember Broden said
<br /> and thank the families. I know that, as Councilmember Broden alluded to, it is a situation where
<br /> we know you send your loved one (1) into harm's way every day, or at least into the possibility of
<br /> harm's way.This was a situation where you guys went knowing you were walking into a dangerous
<br /> situation. So, thank you for that. Thank you for being the elite team that you are, for being
<br /> nationally recognized and for being just one (1) more way of how South Bend and this region is
<br /> leading in so many ways. It is also great to see the way that, again, the region has come together,
<br /> right? We are talking about folks from Elkhart, South Bend, Goshen and Mishawaka. Just the
<br /> brotherhood you all have,thank you. You are an inspiration to all of us.
<br /> Councilmember John Voorde stated, Very sincere thank you. All of your work and your
<br /> professionalism are very, very much appreciated. Thank you.
<br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated, Thank you for your service to our community and our
<br /> Country.
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