[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SALUTE TO JOHN RYAN, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SHERWOOD BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate one of my constituents from Cortland County, New York, 
John Ryan Sr., for 51 exceptional years of service to the Homer Fire 
Department. Mr. Ryan Joined the Homer Fire Department in 1953, upon his 
return from service in the Korean War. His commitment to public service 
for his country and his community is unmatched.
  His father was a volunteer firefighter and served as fire chief in 
the 1940's. Mr. Ryan also served as fire chief for four years beginning 
in 1970. He has presided over the Cortland County Fire Chiefs 
Association and the County Fire Advisory Board. The love of 
firefighting has been passed down to his children and grandchildren, as 
his son, John Ryan Jr., serves as the current fire chief and his other 
sons, Steve and Mike, also serve as firefighters. His granddaughter was 
the fourth generation Ryan to belong to the fire department before she 
moved from the area.
  It is this kind of dedication and commitment to community that makes 
John Ryan Sr. such a legacy in Homer, NY. Not only has he answered the 
call to community service, but he has also instilled that same spirit 
in his children and grandchildren. I thank Mr. Ryan for his years of 
service, and I know the town of Homer thanks him as well.

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