[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 121 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1748]]
                 A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF JAMES O. PAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 
Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Congressional Fire Services 
Institute, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the life 
of James O. Page, a dear friend of mine who suddenly passed away on 
September 4, 2004. The founder of JEMS Communication, Chief Jim Page 
was highly regarded as the father of modern emergency medical services 
(EMS).
  In 1957, Jim began his fire service career with the Los Angeles 
County Fire Department. He served in numerous locations and roles while 
working his way through the ranks and completing undergraduate and law 
degrees at night. In 1971, he was assigned by his department to 
coordinate the countywide implementation of paramedic rescue services. 
At the same time, he served as technical consultant and writer for the 
hit television series ``Emergency.'' Jim later served as Chief of EMS 
for the State of North Carolina and Fire Chief for the City of Monterey 
Park, CA.
  In 1979, Jim launched JEMS and turned it into one of the world's most 
respected sources of information for emergency services. In addition, 
he oversaw the launch of FireRescue Magazine, for which he wrote the 
highly regarded Burning Issues column. In 2001, he retired from JEMS 
Communication and was named Publisher Emeritus. A prolific writer, Jim 
published five books, wrote more than 400 magazine articles and 
editorials, and presented more than 800 public speeches.
  In recent years, Jim has been traveling the country visiting the 100 
``best small towns'' in America to profile each town's fire department. 
To date, his journey had taken him to 30 departments. At the conclusion 
of his travels, I was hoping to have him testify on Capitol Hill. I 
looked forward to hearing him share his experience--lessons learned and 
lessons that could be applied to how the Federal Government could 
better address the needs of local first responders.
  In 1987, I formed the Congressional Fire Services Caucus to bring a 
greater awareness of the fire and emergency services to Capitol Hill. 
Since day one, Chief Page was a believer in the Caucus and helped to 
form the Congressional Fire Services Institute. The success of both the 
Caucus and Institute was achieved through the wisdom and knowledge of 
those individuals beholden to the missions of these organizations. Jim 
was with us since day one and was always willing to offer his support 
to strengthen our missions.
  Jim strived for a better fire and emergency services. A fitness 
advocate, he challenged the fire and emergency services to take better 
care of their own. He earned many accolades along the way, all of which 
were well deserved. In 1995, the International Association of Fire 
Chiefs created an annual award in his name, the James O. Page Award of 
Excellence. In 2000, Fire Chief Magazine recognized him as one of the 
20 most influential fire chiefs of the 20th century. In 2002, JEMS 
Communication created the annual ``James O. Page'' EMS Award.
  To his mother Marion, wife Jane and their four children, I would like 
to say thanks for allowing Jim the liberty and opportunity to share his 
talents and passion with the fire and emergency services. He has left 
an indelible mark on public safety. When those who knew Jim best 
describe him, they say that he was a brilliant leader, and then they 
invariably add that he was always a gentleman and a genuinely nice 
person. We will miss him, yet never forget the legacy he leaves behind 
to the fire and emergency services and to this great Nation.

                          ____________________