In Memory of Brown County Commissioner Rick Eagan

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Congresswoman Jean Schmidt floor speech in memory of Brown County Commissioner Rick Eagan, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Jean Schmidt today (Wednesday, May 9, 2012) made the following speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in memory of Brown County Commissioner Rick Eagan, who died unexpectedly on May 8.

*** Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and in memory of a very dear friend of mine – and a very dear friend of Brown County – County Commissioner Rick Eagan. Rick’s passion for community service spanned his entire life. He was a member of the Ripley Fire Department for almost 30 years. He served 14 years in local law enforcement. He was also a former council member and vice mayor of Ripley, Ohio. But Rick didn’t stop there. He wanted to do more. He wanted to be county commissioner – because he felt he could lead the county forward. And so he ran for commissioner (but lost two times). They say the third time is the charm, and Rick decided to (run again). And so in 2010, he threw his hat in the ring. Unfortunately, very early (in the campaign), he was involved in a very tragic automobile accident – one that nearly took his life. It took (a) leg, it took his ability to breathe. And he had a tracheotomy until a few weeks ago. He was in the hospital for nearly a year. He came out … campaigned, and miraculously won the election. His dream came true, and he began to serve his community in another way. He loved his community, he loved his country, and he loved his family. He fought every day to make the world a better place. … I am so sad for our community to have lost such a dynamic and wonderful individual. Public servants like Rick are hard to come by. But I’m saddened even more by the fact that his wonderful wife, Margaret, and his children, Douglas and Tiffany, will no longer be able to live with that remarkable man – will no longer be able to love him and hug him. And so I ask this body to remember those like Rick Eagan, who … work hard to make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. And I ask that the Lord allow Commissioner Rick Eagan to be in his hands. And may my dear friend, and my community’s (dear friend), rest in peace.

Mark's Remarks

Rick was a dear friend. I remember working with him and helping on all three of his campaigns. When others were looking at maybe he should bow out, Rick stayed strong and worked hard to beat his injuries as well as the stiff competition (some of it underhanded) by the incumbent commissioner he defeated. He loved serving the people of Brown County. He loved his family, and they loved him. He was not a politician, but a citizen servant. Godspeed, Mr. Commissioner. You will be missed.