[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ZEKE FORLINI RECEIVES PIO ZAPAZODI CONGRESSIONAL AWARD

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                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate, Mr. Zeke Forlini, one of my constituents, on receiving 
the Pio Zapazodi Congressional Award, recognizing his dedication to the 
EMS and firefighting community.
  As co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Caucus and a former 
firefighter and chief, I have witnessed first hand the dedication of 
many men and women to the community. However, there are some unique 
individuals whose service is heads about the rest. To recognize those 
individuals, Delaware County has established the Pio Zapazodi 
Congressional Award, named after a longtime, dedicated leader in the 
fire community in Upper Darby and the entire county.
  Zeke is a leader in the local fire community and an individual I 
consider to be a close friend. In the early nineties, he helped to 
develop the Emergency Services Training Center in Folcroft, 
Pennsylvania. Using his own equipment from his own concrete business, 
Zeke donated countless hours and resources to the construction of the 
training center. His efforts and assistance played an important role in 
the timely opening of the center which is an important resource to the 
fire and EMS community of Delaware County. In addition to his time and 
money, Zeke has offered his guidance to the project, giving direction 
to many smaller projects at the center.
  Zeke has seen the training center project through from beginning to 
end, going so far as to supply the refreshments for the dedication of 
the building. And when the future of the building was questionable, 
Zeke arranged the pouring of 185 yards of solid concrete for the 
foundation.
  Zeke continues to be active in the emergency services community, 
dedicating much of his personal time to the Board of Fire and Life 
Safety. Mr. Speaker, this man's commitment to his community is truly an 
example for our entire region. His considerable generosity and genuine 
interest in the welfare of our county is only matched by the many well-
deserved friends he has accumulated over the years. It is a fitting 
tribute that the entrance to the Emergency Services Training Center has 
been named ``Zeke's Way,'' With his continual gifts of time, guidance, 
and friendship, it is evident that Zeke Forlini has earned the Pio 
Zapazodi Congressional Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Zeke 
Forlini for his selfless dedication to the fire community.

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