Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar issued the following statement on the passing of former Rep. Jerry Lewis:

“My heart goes out to the extended family of Congressman Jerry Lewis, and I offer Arlene and the entire Lewis family my deepest condolences for their loss. Jerry was a larger than life presence in our community who never stopped asking what more he could do to help. For more than four decades of service he successfully delivered resources and support to protect our country and look out for our region.

“Jerry was always quick to remind people that he was a kid who grew up in San Bernardino. That kid from San Bernardino would go on to serve his community in Sacramento, Washington and eventually through the creation of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Jerry always looked out for the entire San Bernardino Valley, mentoring staff who he called his family along the way. I‘m grateful for his lifetime of service, and my thoughts will continue to be with his loved ones, former colleagues, and staff members who knew him well.”