LONDON, Ky. -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) joined local leaders in Laurel County for a First Responders Appreciation Luncheon on Monday at the Kentucky National Guard Joint Readiness Training Center.

The lunch brought together local leaders and first responders from law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance service companies, air evacuation teams, emergency operations and the road department. Congressman Rogers expressed gratitude for their brave response and extended public service since a deadly EF-4 tornado left behind a 55-mile trail of devastation, taking the lives of 19 people in three counties and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. 

"I have the utmost respect for the heroes who responded during the overnight hours after the storm passed through, saving countless lives. These men and women have been working around the clock since the storm hit, going above and beyond the call of duty to continue serving the public through this crisis," said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. "As recovery and rebuilding efforts continue, I will continue working to ensure our state and local leaders have the full support our federal agencies. I wanted to personally thank our local leaders and first responders and let them know that I will be with them every step of the way through the recovery process." 

In recognition of the first responders, Congressman Rogers submitted a tribute to the Congressional Record, honoring their heroic efforts. He presented six framed copies of the tribute to be shared in local stations and operations centers. 

Congressman Rogers also recognized local business owner Terry Martin, Vice President of Martin's Peterbilt, for raising and matching monetary donations for displaced families in Laurel County and offering direct assistance as they begin the rebuilding process. Congressman Rogers presented Martin with an American flag that he requested to be flown over the U.S. Capitol building in honor of the company's generous efforts to give back to the community. 

Click here to read the Congressional Record.

To see photos from the event, visit Congressman Rogers' Facebook page. 

For more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media. 

London & Laurel County First Responders Appreciation Lunch

Congressman Rogers presented a Congressional Record to KSP Post 11

Congressman Rogers presented a Congressional Record to the London Police Department and the City of London

Congressman Rogers presented a Congressional Record to Laurel County Sheriff John Root & the department

Congressman Rogers presented a Congressional Record to the London Fire Department and in recognition of all Laurel County volunteer fire fighters

Congressman Rogers presented a Congressional Record to Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield and Deputy Judge Executive Mike Calebs

Congressman Rogers thanked the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad for their heroic efforts and included them in the Congressional Record

Flag Presentation with Summer Pennington, Terry Martin, Congressman Rogers, Cynthia Rogers, Sen. Brandon Storm