[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E884]]

 IN HONOR OF CHIEF LARRY J. HOLMES, DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES FOR THE 
                      ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor Larry J. Holms, Director of Fire Services for the Orange County 
Fire Authority. Chief Holms is retiring after 35 years of exemplary 
service to the citizens of Orange County and the State of California.
  Chief Holms served as the Director of Fire Services since the 
inception of the Orange County Fire Department in 1980. He is retiring 
as the director of the Orange County Fire Authority. He has been 
responsible for the largest regional firefighting department in 
California, staffed by over 935 volunteers and 750 paid-call 
firefighters.
  After the devastating 1993 Laguna Beach fires, Chief Holms was 
instrumental in establishing a helicopter program for the Orange County 
Fire Authority. This is the only Fire Service helicopter program in 
Orange County.
  Chief Holms has been in the Fire Service for over 35 years. Prior to 
his current position, he was the Fire Chief in the city of Tustin Fire 
Department, a Battalion Chief for the California Department of Forestry 
and worked for the Huntington Beach Fire Department for 9 years.
  His many career accomplishments include: past President of the Orange 
County Fire Chief's Association; member, Board of Directors for the 
Governor's Office of Emergency Services FIRESCOPE; member, the 
Governor's Office of Emergency Services Standardized Emergency 
Management System [SEMS] Development Advisory Committee; appointed 
member of the Building Standards Commission; served as Acting County 
Administrative Officer in 1985; past member of the Board of Directors 
for the Orange County Red Cross; and, past member of the Board of 
Directors for the Orange County Poison Prevention Foundation.
  I would like my colleagues in Congress to join me in recognizing 
Chief Holms for his outstanding service to his community. There are 
many deeds and courageous acts that easily distinguish Chief Holms as a 
firefighter, a citizen, and a leader. The citizens of Orange County 
have been very fortunate to have such a remarkable individual watching 
over them. Let us wish Chief Holms many years of enjoyment and 
happiness in his retirement.

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