Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Jefferson County Communications Center Authority on their one-year anniversary of establishment.

Jeffcom 911 is an emergency dispatch center that increased production, reduced overhead cost, and created a more efficient public safety system by regionalizing eight emergency service agencies across Jefferson County. The company has overcome obstacles in staffing shortages, technology updates, and changes to policies, procedures, and work flow processes in order to eliminate delays and accomplish their role in public safety.

A workforce of 136 qualified call-takers, dispatchers, and supervisors were required to

manage the eight-member agencies, along with an additional 15 user agencies from surrounding areas. Jeffcom 911 staff persevered through over 25,000 hours of overtime to provide additional training, lectured courses, and individual observation to produce, cultivate, and develop a qualified workforce capable of providing professional support required by the agencies Jeffcom 911 serves 24 hours a day.

Jeffcom 911 commenced operations on April 4, 2018 and is now the single Public Safety Answering Point in Jefferson County, serving a community of 600,000 citizens and covering 774 square miles that range from densely populated metropolitan areas to mountainous landscapes.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Jefferson County Communications Center Authority for this well-deserved recognition.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jerry Marks for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year Award.

An Arvada native, Jerry Marks has served his community as a volunteer firefighter and board member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Vitality Alliance, Arvada Economic Development Association, and Arvada City Council.

The involvement and generosity demonstrated by Jerry Marks is exemplary of the type of positive impact that can be made on the Arvada community. He has donated his time, treasure, and talent and has consistently supported local organizations including Community Table, The Arvada Colts, and many more.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Jerry Marks for this well- deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and appreciate his ongoing contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Patsy Pfaff for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award.

Patsy has been an active participant in the Arvada community for many years. She donates to Mother's Milk, serves on the PTA, and tutors math students at Arvada West High School. She served on the advisory board for All Out Multisport and is active in the ET Chapter of PEO, a group that provides educational opportunities for women through scholarships.

The involvement and generosity demonstrated by Patsy is exemplary of the type of positive impact that can be made on the Arvada community. Being an avid walker, she spends a lot of time on the Ralston Creek Trail, completing over 60 half marathons and is well on her way to reaching her goal of 100 half marathons.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Patsy Pfaff for winning this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and appreciate his ongoing contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Daniel Ryley for receiving the Arvada Young Professional Leadership Award.

Daniel Ryley has recently been named the Executive Director of the Arvada Economic Development Association and is receiving this award for his innovation and entrepreneurship in the Arvada community. He founded Drynkware, a reusable drink stirrer that is both functional and stylish and helps reduce the use of plastic straws.

The professional accomplishments and community leadership demonstrated by Daniel Ryley is exemplary of the type of positive impact that can be made on the City of Arvada. He serves as Chair of the Community Leaders of Hope Advisory Committee with Extended Hands of Hope, a Human Rights organization that houses and empowers survivors of human sex trafficking.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Daniel Ryley for winning the Arvada Young Professional Leadership Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and leadership in his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jen Spettel for receiving the Arvada Young Professional Leadership Award.

Jen Spettel is the Executive Director of the Susan M. Duncan YMCA and is receiving this award for her innovation and entrepreneurship in the Arvada community. Jen is dedicated to healthy living in Arvada, working for the YMCA for the past 15 years.

The professional accomplishments and community leadership demonstrated by Jen Spettel is exemplary of the type of positive impact that can be made on the City of Arvada. She serves on the 9 Health Fair Board of Trustees, the Retention Committee for the Arvada Economic Development Corporation as well as the City of Arvada's Healthy Places Initiative.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Jen Spettel for winning the Arvada Young Professional Leadership Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and leadership in her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Michael Sudak for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Image Award.

Michael is receiving this award for his commitment to the Arvada community and the positive image he displays for the city. Michael owns and operates an Arvada-based business which employs local residents at above minimum wage and provides local children with healthy and nutritious school lunch meals, serving many schools that participate in the free and reduced lunch program. The meals he offers are of higher quality and nutrition than required to better care for the at-risk children being served.

The involvement and generosity demonstrated by Michael is exemplary of the type of positive image that can be displayed for the city of Arvada.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Michael Sudak for winning this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and appreciate his ongoing contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Katlyn Thiede for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Rising Star Award.

Katlyn is a student at Arvada West High School and received this award because of her extraordinary skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership. She is a member of the National Art Honors Society, owns her own photography business, and volunteers with Foothills Animal Shelter.

The innovation and leadership demonstrated by Katlyn is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. She excels academically with a 4.33 GPA and is described by her teachers as kind, welcoming, determined, and one-of-a-kind.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Katlyn Thiede for this well- deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and leadership in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Kylie Flannery for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Kylie Flannery is a student at Mandalay Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Kylie Flannery is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Kylie Flannery for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Danielle Fleming for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Danielle Fleming is a student at Three Creeks K-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Danielle Fleming is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Danielle Fleming for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Christopher Garcia-Sandoval for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Christopher Garcia-Sandoval is a student at Sobesky Academy and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Christopher Garcia-Sandoval is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Christopher Garcia-Sandoval for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Alexis Gavaldon for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Alexis Gavaldon is a student at Jefferson Jr/Sr. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Alexis Gavaldon is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Alexis Gavaldon for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud David Gavaldon for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

David Gavaldon is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by David Gavaldon is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to David Gavaldon for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emmalee Gonzales for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Emmalee Gonzales is a student at Mandalay Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Emmalee Gonzales is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Emmalee Gonzales for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Blake Hagan for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Blake Hagan is a student at Moore Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Blake Hagan is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Blake Hagan for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ezekiel Hatfield for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Ezekiel Hatfield is a student at North Arvada Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Ezekiel Hatfield is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Ezekiel Hatfield for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.