[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 120 (Sunday, August 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  HONORING CHARLES A. FORD ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MONTEBELLO FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, August 21, 1994

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Montebello 
Firefighter Charles A. Ford, who after 32 years of courageous service 
to the Montebello Fire Department retired on July 7, 1994.
  Over the past 32 years, Mr. Ford has played an integral role in the 
transformation of the Montebello Fire Department. He has helped it grow 
from a small community firehouse to a modern-day emergency response 
force that is today serving nearly 60,000 residents and area 
businesses.
  Mr. Ford has long been recognized as an outstanding member of the 
Montebello Fire Department. In 1975, he completed his training to 
become one of the first paramedics in the department. He was honored as 
Montebello Firefighter of the Year in both 1974 and 1989. In 1983, his 
colleagues named him Montebello Paramedic of the Year and in 1988, he 
was one of nine recipients to receive the prestigious Los Angeles 
County Protectors Award.
  Although Mr. Ford suffered a heart attack in 1985, causing him to 
retire from emergency response duties, he continued his dedicated 
efforts to the department as the emergency services coordinator. In 
this capacity, Mr. Ford developed and implemented training and disaster 
assistance/response programs for the City of Montebello. These programs 
are the backbone for the recovery procedures the city uses after a 
disaster.
  Mr. Ford's commitment to the community does not end with his day at 
work. He founded the Annual Children's Christmas Party, which each 
year, under his leadership, unites members of the business community, 
the local school district and the Firefighter Association to bring much 
needed Christmas cheer to the lives of disadvantaged children in 
Montebello. This last Christmas over 700 children enjoyed the Christmas 
spirit and found new toys under their Christmas trees. It is with great 
pride that I recognize Mr. Charles Ford, for his dedication to making 
Montebello a better place to live.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. 
Ford for his devotion to Montebello's residents and for his unselfish 
desire to help others. He is a true public servant.

                          ____________________