[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 1998 FAIRFAX CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLIC SAFETY 
                             AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 1999

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today 
to rise and bring to the attention of my colleagues some very special 
Public Safety personnel in Fairfax City in the Eleventh Congressional 
District of Virginia. Every year the Fairfax Central Chamber of 
Commerce honors police officers, fire fighters, and dispatchers who 
have shown the highest level of dedication to their noble duties. These 
individuals who are role models to others in their profession will be 
honored this afternoon at the 1998 Public Safety Awards Luncheon.
  The 1998 awards recipients are:
  Career Firefighter of the Year: Technician John C. Henderson: 
Technician Henderson is being recognized with this prestigious award 
for his continued exemplary commitment to the accomplishment of 
Department goals and objectives. Technician Henderson's performance is 
characterized by unselfishness, teamwork, commitment to the improvement 
of City services, and support of the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department 
(FVFD). Most notable among Technician Henderson's performance 
indicators for 1998 is his involvement with training new members of the 
Department. Technician Henderson spent many hours working with new 
employees and new members of the FVFD to ensure that they possessed the 
skills necessary to perform essential tasks in a safe and effective 
manner.
  Volunteer Fire Fighter/Paramedic of the Year: Fire Fighter Tara 
Duffy: Fire Fighter Duffy is recognized for this award due to her 
involvement and attributes in a number of areas; including training, 
physical fitness, emergency scene conduct, attitude, and riding time. 
During the Fall 1998, when the Department was acclimating four new 
employees and working to certify them for minimum staffing roles, Fire 
Fighter Duffy used a week of vacation time to assist with this 
essential activity. Additionally, she spent many hours assisting 
several new volunteer members of the Department with gaining their Fire 
Fighter I and II certification. Fire Fighter Duffy also sacrificed her 
regular compensation and free time to be part of the Department 
contingence that was deployed to Ormond Beach, Florida this past summer 
to assist with fighting wildland fires.
  Police Officer of the Year: PFC Carl R. Pardiny: During 1998, K-9 
Officer, PFC Pardiny was recognized on numerous occasions for his 
outstanding performance of duty and initiatives in developing a more 
coordinated K-9 unit. An example of his outstanding performance 
involving a very difficult K-9 case occurred on March 9, 1998. This 
case was particularly difficult due to the rainy weather conditions, 
which affects the tracking ability, and the location of the suspect's 
hideaway. In order to have a more coordinated and effective K-9 unit, 
he drafted a canine operating procedure and developed a record system 
for documentation of all formal and informal canine training.
  Dispatcher of the Year: Dispatcher Betty I. Powers: During 1998, 
Dispatcher Powers was commended more than once for her high level of 
professionalism and expertise while working in the Communication's 
Section. In particular, this recommendation was based on her 
professional handling of three serious felony incidents, two of which 
occurred almost simultaneously. Throughout all of these incidents, 
Dispatch Powers was working alone and unassisted.
  I am deeply impressed by the caliber of services that these fine 
public servants provide with admirable distinction. It takes a special 
calling and extraordinary commitment to choose public service as your 
life's work. I congratulate each award winner for their momentous 
recognition and extend my gratitude to you for your selfless dedication 
to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Fairfax City.

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