[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING SAN LUIS OBISPO FIRE CHIEF ROBERT F. NEUMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in honoring my constituent, Fire Chief Robert ``Bob'' F. Neumann for 
his significant contributions to our Central Coast community. This past 
May, Chief Neumann retired from the San Luis Obispo City Fire 
Department.
  Chief Neumann entered the field of fire fighting in 1968 as a 
firefighter, and served our community as a Fire Inspector, Fire 
Engineer, Fire Dispatcher, Fire Captain, Fire Battalion Chief and Fire 
Marshal and became Fire Chief in 1991. Chief Neumann obtained degrees 
in Fire Science and Soil Science at Cuesta Community College and 
California Polytechnic State University, both of which are located in 
the 22nd congressional district.
  In 1985, Chief Neumann served as the City's Operation Section Chief 
on the 50,000 acre, Las Pilitas Fire that threatened the City of San 
Luis Obispo. For the 48 hours that it took to contain this fire Chief 
Neumann supervised 20 Type-I and 2 Strike Teams. A series of storms 
combined with a loss of water-shed caused by the Highway 41 Fire in 
1994, resulted in extensive flooding in the downtown area of San Luis 
Obispo in February of 1995. Throughout the 48 hours when the floods ran 
through the City, Bob served as Fire Incident Commander and helped to 
avert disaster. Significant moments in Bob's career, during which he 
displayed exemplary service were also seen in the Highway 58 fire in 
August of 1996. During this natural catastrophe Bob essentially served 
as Deputy Branch Director of the organized command structure.
  The City of San Luis Obispo has been most fortunate to have been 
served by Chief Neumann for 27 years. I am proud to congratulate Bob on 
his remarkable record of achievement during his 34-year career.

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