[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      IN HONOR OF JOHN T. BRENNAN WHO WAS RECOGNIZED BY IRELAND 32

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, February 8, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John T. 
Brennan who was being honored by Ireland 32 at a dinner. He has been 
and continues to be an outstanding citizen. As fire chief of the 
Bayonne Fire Department he has served his community with much bravery 
and determination.
  Mr. Brennan is the son of two Irish immigrants, Michael and Mary 
Brennan. He is married to the former Meg Connolly with whom he raised 
six children. They are also the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren. 
Mr. Brennan joined the Bayonne Fire Department on December 18, 1943 and 
has served proudly and courageously for 45 years.
  Mr. Brennan always put the lives of the people ahead of his own. His 
heroic deeds are hallmarks of his career. When I think of heroism I am 
reminded of the time that Mr. Brennan risked his life when he ran 
through an inferno of flames after a propane storage plant had 
exploded. He managed to reach the propane gas value that was feeding 
the fire while his firefighters were using high powered hoses to water 
him down.
  Mr. Brennan was the youngest firefighter, at the age of 38, to be 
named fire chief in Bayonne and in the State of New Jersey. In February 
1974 he was named Irishman of the Year for the 12th annual Hudson 
County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Jersey City. Also he received a 
service award for making it possible to speedily apprehend criminals by 
the Bayonne Police Department.
  Mr. Brennan has been a faithful member of St. Vincent's Parish and a 
member of the 3d and 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He is also 
a member of several associations such as the New Jersey Paid Fire 
Chiefs Association, the National Fire Protection Association, the 
Hudson Country Fire Chief's Association and the New Jersey State Exempt 
Fireman's Association just to name a few.
  Mr. Brennan has served his community with much courage and bravery. 
His valor and dedication is appreciated by the citizens of Bayonne. I 
am proud to have him as a constituent. I ask that my colleagues join me 
in honoring this great and brave man.


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