HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4630

HR 4630

ByRepresentatives 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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we commend Mr. Urbas for his excellent service and leadership, conducting himself with care and distinction; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor and extend the warmest appreciation to Mr. Urbas and his family, who sacrificed time with each other, so that the state of Washington could benefit from his expertise and judgment.