[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO E. JAMES MONIHAN, USA DIRECTOR TO THE FEDERATION OF WORLD 
                         VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 1999

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to honor and pay tribute to a hero in the firefighting community. E. 
James (Jim) Monihan. Jim Monihan is an outstanding, dedicated, and 
caring Delawarean with an abundance of accomplishments in this field. 
On behalf of the citizens of the First State, I would like to honor 
this outstanding individual and extend to him our congratulations on 
receiving the National Volunteer Fire Council's Mason Lankford Fire 
Service Leadership Award.
  Family, friends and fellow firefighters can now take a moment to 
truly appreciate the contributions Jim Monihan has brought to the 
firefighting community. Since moving to Lewes, DE, in 1963, he has 
proven his ability to advance the quality of fire and emergency 
services throughout the country. This dedication to public service is 
rare among individuals. As President of the Lewes Fire Department, Jim 
arranged the purchase of nearly $250,000 in fire apparatus. He also 
chaired every committee within the department and served as the in-
house ambulance instructor of 10 years. He later earned a statewide 
reputation in Delaware for his service as president and 1st vice 
president of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association.
  These local accomplishments were just the first steps for Jim along 
his road to success. His next advancement was to become the chairman of 
the National Volunteer Fire Council. During his tenure he orchestrated 
the growth of the NVFC from 18 states with 130 associate members to 44 
delegate States with over 1,500 associate members. For the first time 
the NVFC received over $500,000 in Federal grants to help volunteer 
fire services nationwide. Since retiring as chairman of the NVFC, Jim 
has committed himself to being the legislative chairman for the NVFC to 
help devise their policy priorities.
  Known for his expertise and excellence in his field, Jim has been 
asked to provide testimony for numerous congressional committees in 
support of such issues ranging from the environment to fire prevention. 
In addition, Jim has served on the Broad of Visitors for the National 
Fire Academy and has chaired the Joint Council of National Fire Service 
Organizations. Currently, Jim serves as the USA Director to the 
Federation of World Volunteer Firefighters, which helps to unite fire 
service personnel from over 100 countries. Showing his continued 
dedication and commitment to his community, Jim still leads the local 
Junior Firefighter Club activities and still responds to calls today.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute E. James (Jim) Monihan for implementing many of 
the important policies and procedures that help guide fire personnel 
worldwide today. His selfless commitment to the cause of volunteer 
firefighters will have a permanent place in Delaware's volunteer fire 
service history.
  The example Jim has set for volunteer firemen is one we hope all 
future volunteer firemen will strive to emulate. His dedication to the 
development of fire departments, volunteer and emergency services is 
truly commendable. As Delaware's Congressman, I would like to 
personally thank him for a tremendous job well done and for 40 years of 
exemplary service.

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