[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1222-E1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN TALLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and 
dedication of John Tallman who is retiring from the Bourbonnais Fire 
Protection District board of trustees after 48 years of service. Mr. 
Tallman has been Bourbonnais' Fire Protection District's only president 
since 1948 until his official retirement on September 19, 1997.
  John Tallman has been instrumental in helping the fire district to 
grow and modernize. In 1948, a four-wheeled cart containing an ax and a 
hose was pulled by car to the fire scene. The first fire engine arrived 
in 1950. Today, The Bourbonnais Fire Protection District consists of 
three pumpers, two tankers, two ambulances, one grass fire truck, one 
rescue truck, one disaster trailer, one boat, two automobiles, 
extrication equipment, high angle rescue equipment, and gumby suits, 
all housed in a new fire station.
  In addition to his work with the fire protection district, John 
Tallman farmed over 500 acres of land. He and his wife, Eileen, have 
raised four children on their farm. John has also served as a school 
board chairman and has served on the county board.
  John Tallman's commitment and impact on his community is not only 
deserving of congressional recognition, but should serve as a model for 
others to follow.
  At a time when our Nation's leaders are asking the people of this 
country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, 
honoring John Tallman is both timely and appropriate.
  I urge this body to identify and recognize others in their 
communities whose actions have so greatly benefited and enlightened 
America's communities.

[[Page E1223]]



                          ____________________