[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING FIRE CHIEF AL GRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2000

  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure 
that I rise to celebrate the contributions that Fire Chief Al Grams, of 
Chino Hills, California, has made to his community.
  Chief Grams began his 36-year career as a firefighter with the City 
of Covina in 1964. He was promoted to Administrative Captain in 1974 
and advanced to Battalion Chief in 1981. In 1987, the San Gabriel Fire 
Authority hired Chief Grams as an Administrative Chief, but he returned 
to the City of Covina in 1991 as a Battalion Chief. The Chino Valley 
Independent Fire District gained the valuable experience of Chief Grams 
in 1991 when be became their Division Chief of Operations. Just three 
years later, in 1994, he was promoted to Fire Chief.
  Under his leadership, the Chino Valley Independent Fire District has 
witnessed a budget increase from $11 million to $13.5 million. The Fire 
District has also added new fire stations, including the status at 
Butterfield Ranch.
  In addition to his public service, Chief Grams has sought to enrich 
his community by founding the Chino Valley Fire Foundation Citizens 
Helping In Educational Fire Safety (CHIEFS). This organization raises 
over $30,000 each year to educate the community about fire and life 
safety. Chief Grams is also a member of the California Fire Chief's 
Association, Rotary, the International Fire Chief's Association, and he 
serves on the YMCA Board of Directors.
  Chief Grams' 36-year career of fighting fires distinguishes him as a 
true American hero, worthy of our praise and gratitude.

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