HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4630
HR 4630
By Representatives Leavitt, Bronoske, and Richards
WHEREAS, Gerard "Gary" Urbas has served his nation and the state of Washington with honor and distinction as both a highly regarded leader in the Armed Forces and a dedicated employee of the state's Emergency Management Division; and
WHEREAS, His tenure at the Emergency Management Division, specifically with the department's Public Assistance Program, included improved success in getting Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations when Washingtonians needed help; and
WHEREAS, These efforts brought approximately $5 billion of relief for Washingtonians; and
WHEREAS, His knowledge, expertise, and forward thinking has been recognized by the state Department of Health, which credits Gary for helping the Department of Health become a model for the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, His vision and guidance helped the state successfully use the Public Assistance Program to support COVID-19 testing sites, vaccination efforts, and noncongregate sheltering and secure $1.2 billion to reimburse response costs; and
WHEREAS, After turning over the program to his successor, he continued to work as a state Public Assistance reservist to provide disaster recovery and Federal Emergency Management Agency project support; and
WHEREAS, He has helped support small and large organizations so communities can maintain the critical infrastructure recovery and response capabilities they desperately need;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives hereby congratulate Gerard "Gary" Urbas on a stellar career in service to his state and nation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we honor Mr. Urbas for his commitment to the welfare and safety of Washington residents and recognize his accomplishments as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire state; and