[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E512-E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO CHRISTIAN JOS. BECKER, LIFETIME VOLUNTEER FIREMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize one of my constituents, Mr. 
Christian Jos. Becker, for his lifetime of dedicated service to the 
Westchester County Volunteer Firemen's Association. Mr. Becker began 
his volunteer work at the age of 42, when he moved from the city of 
Yonkers to the village of Ardsley.

[[Page E513]]

Over his 33 years of service, Chris has achieved numerous 
accomplishments, all of which have greatly improved the Westchester 
area. In 1971, Mr. Becker received the Ardsley Fire Department Fire 
Fighter of the Year Award for his unwavering dedication in responding 
to nearly every alarm within his village. Also, he served as the 
Department's first Secretary for five years.
  Though Mr. Becker's firefighting days were caused to come to a close 
in 1975 due to an illness, his volunteer activities continued on. As 
Ardsley Fire Department's Delegate to the Firemen's Association in the 
State of New York and the Westchester County Volunteer Firemen's 
Association, Chris's services persevered. One of his greatest 
accomplishments occurred in 1970 when he founded ``The Westchester 
Volunteer,'' a bimonthly newsletter which supplies relevant news to 
firefighters throughout the county.
  Mr. Becker also sits on both the Public Relations Committee and the 
Legislative Committee for the Firemen's Association in the state of New 
York, where he championed notable legislation such as the Cigarette 
Fire Safety Act and the Requiring of Adoption of the Fire and Building 
Codes. For all of the good he has brought to their community, the 
people of Westchester County will forever be indebted to this selfless 
volunteer.
  I am certain that all of my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives will join me in extending a sincere offer of 
congratulations, as well as gratitude, to Mr. Christian Jos. Becker. It 
is a pleasure to recognize such a dedicated man who has used his life 
to benefit those around him.

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