[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING NORRIS JAMES QUINN IN THE DEDICATION OF THE FIRE TRAINING 
                           CENTER IN HIS NAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 1996

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today it brings me great 
pleasure to recognize fire drillmaster Norris James Quinn who devoted 
40 years of public service to the people of Springfield, MA. In his 
first 20 years of commitment to the city, Quinn was promoted through 
the ranks first to lieutenant, and then to captain, culminating with 
his appointment as permanent drillmaster (chief of training). In this 
capacity, Chief Quinn greatly contributed to the establishment of a new 
fire training center.
  In 1968, Chief Quinn began the search throughout the city for a site 
for land to construct the new facility. After weeks of planning and 
preparation by Quinn, his dream of a state-of-the-art fire training 
center was realized. Since its completion, the training center has 
instructed countless firefighters. His commitment to the safety of his 
fellow firefighters has in turn greatly aided the community as a whole.
  I served as the mayor of Springfield when Chief Quinn retired in 1987 
and was proud to have such an outstanding citizen serving the city. His 
legacy shall carry on as future generations of firefighters benefit 
from Quinn's achievement. On Tuesday, September 17, 1996 this facility 
will be renamed the ``Norris J. Quinn Fire Training Center''. It is 
fitting that this institution be named after a man that devoted much of 
his profession in the training of Springfield's firefighters. I salute 
Chief Quinn for his distinguished career and offer my heartfelt 
congratulations for this great honor of which he is so deserving.

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