[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E238]]
        A TRIBUTE TO R. GRAYDON BRIGGS OF GRAND LEDGE, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to R. 
Graydon Briggs of Grand Ledge, Michigan for his outstanding service to 
public safety.
  Fire controlled is one of the man's greatest friends; unchecked, it 
is our deadly enemy. Each year, millions of fires kill thousands of 
Americans and destroy billions of dollars of property. Daily, across 
this nation, fire fighters risk their lives to protect us, our homes, 
our businesses, and our belongings. Graydon Briggs is one such man. 
After serving his country bravely during the Korean conflict, Mr. 
Briggs returned home to Michigan and began a career of service that 
spanned four decades. For 37-years, Mr. Briggs served his community as 
a firefighter protecting lives and property of Grand Ledge residents 
and the neighboring townships of Eagle, Oneida, and Watertown.
  His leadership abilities and organizational skills caused him to be 
appointed to the rank of Fire Chief. He discharged this office with 
integrity for 31 consecutive years. Chief Briggs had the unique ability 
to cohesively unite both paid and volunteer firefighters under his 
command. Under his dedicated leadership Grand Ledge saw many 
improvements in their fire department. They received their first aerial 
ladder truck, something uncommon to smaller rural communities. A new 
rescue truck with the ``jaws of life'' tool was added. The city's first 
water rescue boat was placed in service. New pumper and tankers were 
added. These improvements helped lower fire insurance rates for Grand 
Ledge.
  Chief Briggs was honored in 1971 when he performed rescue breathing 
on a young girl rescued from an apartment fire in which she was 
trapped. Her life was saved by this compassionate effort by Chief 
Briggs.
  In addition to firefighting skills and administrative capabilities, 
Chief Briggs became a superlative instructor. He organized and 
conducted numerous fire training schools and taught his art to hundreds 
of new firefighters. He has committed his life to the service of 
others.
  As a Member of the Congress of the United States of America, I am 
pleased to rise today to recognize his accomplishments and join with 
his many friends and admirers in extending my highest praise and 
warmest wishes for many happy years to come as he enters his 
retirement.

                          ____________________