[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MEL DEARDORFF

                                 ______


                            HON. BILL BAKER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 1996

  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, America's firefighters serve on 
the frontlines of public safety. Risking their lives and health to save 
people at risk, their courage and resourcefulness are the watchwords of 
their profession.
  No one better typifies the finest traditions of firefighting than Mel 
Deardorff. Mel retired recently after 35 years of service in the San 
Ramon Valley region, for the last 8 years serving as fire chief of the 
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
  Mel helped reduce the Insurance Services Office rating in the San 
Ramon region; was influential in establishing expanded firefighting 
services; facilitated a new paramedic program; added engine company, 
fire prevention, and clerical staff; and made many other contributions 
to fire safety in the East Bay region of San Francisco. He was a member 
of many professional organizations, including the International 
Association of Fire Chiefs and California Fire Chiefs.
  Mel Deardorff was a public servant whose leadership, commitment, and 
dedication helped enable residents of the San Ramon and Danville, CA 
communities to go to sleep knowing that they were in good hands. As a 
resident of Danville for 25 years. I am thankful for all Chief 
Deardorff has done for my hometown and the San Ramon Valley region. He 
deserves sincere thanks from people throughout Contra Costa County, and 
I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize him in the 
Congressional Record.

                          ____________________