[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CHIEF LOUIS E. KELLY ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ELIZABETH FIRE 
                  DEPARTMENT AFTER 33 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Louis E. Kelly 
on his retirement from the Elizabeth, New Jersey Fire Department, and 
to congratulate him for 33 years of dedicated and courageous service to 
his community.
  Chief Kelly's impressive career began in November, 1969, as a 
Probationary Firefighter in Ladder Company 3 of the Elizabeth Fire 
Department. In 1977, he became Fire Captain of Rescue Ladder 1, and in 
1986, Battalion Chief. After being promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 
1993, he served as Acting Chief from 1995-1996, and was appointed to 
Chief of the Department in April, 1999. For the last nine years, Chief 
Kelly has also served as a Deputy Mutual Aid Coordinator for Union 
County.
  Over the years, the Elizabeth Fire Department and Chief Kelly have 
been the recipients of many commendations, recognitions, and awards. 
Chief Kelly is a three-time recipient of the Valor Award from the 200 
Club of Union County, and has received two Heroism and Community 
Service Awards from Firehouse Magazine for his heroism and dedication. 
The Elizabeth Fire Department has awarded him three Class 1 awards, 
four Class 2 awards, and four Unit Citations. He is the twelfth chief 
of the Elizabeth Fire Department, which began officially in 1902 and 
replaced the volunteer fire department.
  Under the leadership of Chief Kelly, the Elizabeth Fire Department 
gave its all in the recovery efforts after September 11, 2001, an event 
which Chief Kelly noted, ``proved no entity can handle every situation 
on its own.'' The tragic events of that day demonstrated the 
Department's commitment and courage, which will never be forgotten.
  Chief Kelly will be remembered for his love for and dedication to his 
community, both as a coach for Elmora Youth League and for the Saint 
Genevieve's Parish, and his many other community activities.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chief Louis E. 
Kelly for his years of service to the Elizabeth Fire Department and the 
City of Elizabeth.

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