[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 1999 FAIRFAX CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLIC SAFETY 
                             AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2000

  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 and fire fighters who have shown the 
highest level of dedication to their noble duties. These individuals 
who are role models to others in their profession were honored on 
February 24, 2000 at the 1999 Public Safety Awards Luncheon.
  The 1999 awards recipients are:
  Career Fire Fighter of the Year: Technician James B. Jeckell: 
Technician Jeckell is recognized with this prestigious award for his 
diligent efforts, exceptional work, and commitment to the Fire 
Department. Technician Jeckell's attention to detail and quality is 
exceptional, and as the protective clothing representative, he 
consistently obtains the best available protective gear presently made 
to meet the needs of our station personnel. He also handles equipment 
procurement and necessary repairs needed on the Department's small 
equipment. Technician Jeckell serves on the Department's training 
committee, and is consistently methodical, goal oriented, and focused 
on performing his duties with the highest standards of excellence 
during emergency incidents.
  Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year: Hana F. Brilliant: Fire Fighter 
Brilliant is recognized for her tremendous commitment to the fire 
department in volunteering an extensive number of overtime/recall 
hours. She has covered shift vacancies with little or no notice, and 
consistently and promptly responds to requests for staffing assistance. 
During calendar year 1999, she volunteered 582 minimum staffing hours. 
In addition to her service in operational staffing roles, she is 
dedicated to training, and attends in-station training on a regular 
basis. During the pilot Fire Fighter I & II certification class, Fire 
Fighter Brilliant not only served as an instructor, but was also 
responsible for arranging volunteer coverage for career on-duty 
instructors. She continues in this role with our current certification 
class. Additionally, Fire Fighter Brilliant serves as a contributing 
member of the Department's Quality Council and the Training Committee.
  Valor Award: Bruce Suslowitz: Fire Medic Suslowitz is being honored 
today with an Honorable Mention of Valor for his life-saving actions at 
the three-alarm fire at 3939 Persimmon Drive on January 7, 2000. As a 
member of the first-arriving unit on the scene, and after giving the 
appropriate situation report, Fire Medic Suslowitz approached the 
building to ensure all tenants were exiting safely. Upon opening the 
stairway door, Fire Medic Suslowitz heard someone yelling for 
assistance. Without regard for his own safety, Fire Medic Suslowitz 
rapidly ascended three floors to find an 80-year-old wheelchair-bound 
man being assisted by his 17-year-old neighbor. Ultimately, without the 
assistance of anyone, Fire Medic Suslowitz valiantly rescued the 
gentleman from the smoke-filled building, who was then treated and 
taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
  Police Officer of the Year: Detective Michael D. Boone: Detective 
Michael Boone is being honored today for his consistently high level of 
dedication in the performance of his law enforcement duties. An example 
of his dedication to upholding the law was demonstrated on a peeping-
Tom case involving a sexual offender with prior convictions of 
burglary, rape, and abduction. Over the course of several months, 
Detective Boone's initiative and excellent investigative techniques 
triggered a probation violation hearing. As a result, the judge imposed 
the entirety of a 10-year sentence in the State Penitentiary on the 
probation violation. Detective Boone's actions successfully removed a 
violent sex offender from the community.
  Life Saving Award: Officer Craig M. Buckley and Officer Martin 
Nachtman: On July 7, 1999, Officer Nachtman responded to a call in the 
Fairfax Circle area for an individual panhandling and bothering 
customers of a business. When he arrived on scene, the individual was 
not at the building. Upon checking the area for the individual, he was 
found behind the building. The man, using the belt, had hanged himself 
from a handrail on the steps to the rear of the building. Officer 
Buckley then arrived on the scene. The officers immediately lifted the 
man and removed the belt from around his neck. The individual was 
nonresponsive and not breathing. At this point the officers began to 
administer CPR to the subject. Their efforts were successful in 
restoring the man's breathing. City of Fairfax Fire and Rescue units 
arrived and continued to care for this individual and transported him 
to the hospital. He was originally listed in critical condition, but 
has since improved and is expected to make a full recovery.
  Several factors stand out in the performance of these officers: the 
quick response to a seemingly minor call; the diligence in checking for 
the subject when he was not present at the location; and finally, the 
teamwork and life-saving action that each of them took. These fine 
police officers should be commended for the exemplary role they played 
in saving a man's life.
  Due to the dedicated efforts of public service providers, like 
Technician Jim Jeckell, Fire Fighter Hana Brilliant, Fire Medic Bruce 
Suslowitz, Detective Michael Boone, Officer Martin Nachtman, and 
Officer Craig Buckley, who place the safety and well-being of others 
above their own, the city of Fairfax is a better place to live. They 
have rightfully earned the highest appreciation and respect from 
myself, the members of the Fairfax Central Chamber of Commerce, and 
from all the people of our community whose lives they have touched. I 
know my colleagues will join me in thanking these heroes for a job well 
done.

                          ____________________