[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO LOUIS J. AMABILI, DIRECTOR OF THE DELAWARE STATE FIRE SCHOOL

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend and pay tribute to the 
fine work of an outstanding, dedicated, and caring Delawarean, Louis J. 
Amabili, director of the Delaware State Fire School. For myself, and on 
behalf of the citizens of the First State, I would like to thank him 
for his many years of tireless and dedicated service.
  On this occasion in Delaware, firefighters will gather and recognize 
his more than 50 years of outstanding leadership and guidance to his 
community, State, and Nation. This type of dedication to public service 
is rare among individuals. During his tenure, many dedicated and caring 
men and women have been trained to help prevent or battle fires and 
perform emergency medical service for our citizens. Because of the 
stewardship and teamwork of Louis Amabili, Delaware fire and emergency 
medical services have become a vital and integral part of our 
community.
  Louis J. Amabili has been a loyal and devoted guardian to the 
hundreds of fire services personnel throughout Delaware. He is the 
founding Director of the Delaware State Fire School, a facility that 
originated from his design and now bears the honor of his name. The 
school is currently viewed as one of the leading fire training 
facilities in the Nation. Under Louis Amabili's direction the Sussex 
County and New Castle County training centers were established to 
provide live fire training within 30 minutes of every fire company in 
Delaware. He has served as president of the New Castle Volunteer 
Fireman's Association, he is a member of the Hockessin Fire Co., and 
the International Association of Fire Service Instructors. President 
Richard Nixon appointed him to the Fire Prevention and Control 
Commission, where he coauthored the commission's report ``America 
Burning''. And, for his numerous achievements in fire services, 
Governor Pete DuPont recognized him with an ``Order of the First 
State''.
  In addition to his many accomplishments, Louis Amabili is one of the 
most respected leaders in fire services today. He has served on the 
board of directors of the National Fire Protection Association, and 
chaired the Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Standards 
Committee. During his tenure as a member of the International Fire 
Services Training Association he received their highest recognition for 
his role in fire service training. He has chaired the Joint Council of 
National Fire Service Organization and helped to establish the National 
Fire Professional Qualification System. He serves as a member of the 
board of directors of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, which 
I have the privilege and honor of serving as cochairman, and he 
received the Institute's highest honor, the Congressional Fire Service 
Person of the Year Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Louis J. Amabili for an outstanding record of 
public and community service, a record that has touched so many lives 
throughout the State of Delaware and our Nation. He is truly an 
inspiration for all of us. His tireless commitment and dedication to 
the cause of volunteer firefighters will find a permanent place in the 
Delaware volunteer fire service history.
  The example Louis J. Amabili has set in the fire service is one which 
we hope all future fire and emergency medical services personnel will 
emulate. His dedication to fire and emergency medical services is 
admirable and his tradition of service is truly commendable. I want to 
thank him for his 50 years of exemplary service.

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