I was saddened recently to learn of the death of a respected and admired individual in my congressional district, Mr. Jerrell Norwood, of Malvern, Arkansas, who lost a courageous battle with cancer at age 64.  Today, I wish to pay tribute to his life and achievements. 

Jerrell Norwood spent much of his adult life serving his fellow citizens, and his accomplishments were numerous.  For over a decade and a half, Jerrell served as County Fire Coordinator and Director of the Office of Emergency Management for Hot Spring County in Arkansas.  He was a long-time volunteer and board member with the local Red Cross.  For twenty-one years, he served as the first and only Ouachita Fire Chief, and he spent many years on the Resource Organization Service Excellence (R.O.S.E.) Board, a group dedicated to helping needy citizens.  

During his career, Jerrell was responsible for building or improving nearly all of the bridges in Hot Spring County, and in 1994, he helped establish a water rescue for users of the nearby Ouachita River.  His accolades include being a two-time Volunteer of the Year for Hot Spring County as well as being named Emergency Coordinator of the Year in 2000.  

Jerrell Norwood was regarded with esteem and appreciation by all those who knew him well.  His friends, neighbors and co-workers alike praised not only his ability to quickly assess and tackle an emergency situation, but more importantly his energy, dedication, common sense and genuine compassion for helping others.  He was truly a man of integrity who gave himself to his work and his community.  While his passing is a tremendous loss to the Malvern community and our state, his life and legacy of public service will be remembered for years to come.   

I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Carolyn, his children, and all his family and friends during this difficult time.