[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 129 (Sunday, October 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO RENE WORKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to Rene Workman, a dedicated fire chief from my district. 
Rene is a caring and capable firefighter who is committed to saving the 
lives of families in Fruita, and will step down after 17 years of 
service with the Lower Valley Fire Protection District, and I am proud 
to join my colleagues here today in recognizing her tremendous service 
to the Colorado community before this body of Congress and our Nation.
  Rene's dedication to help those in need began with her own family 
tragedy; her father died of a heart attack when she was 8 years old. 
Rene joined the department as a volunteer when she was 26 and worked 
towards her certification as a paramedic. She was hired as the chief in 
1992, and seventeen years later she is remembered for her compassion 
for both her volunteers and her patients. Rene's husband Matt remains a 
volunteer.
  Rene often sacrifices sleep, and the few days she has off, to come 
into work with the Fire District, where she also responds to house 
calls for medical problems because of her emergency medical technician. 
She has been a fearless leader who transformed the department by 
improving the training and standards within the Fire District. The 
people in Rene's district are safer as the result of her service and 
protection.
  Mr. Speaker, Rene Workman is a dedicated individual who sacrifices 
her time to helping those in need. Her compassion and selfless service 
to our state definitely deserve the recognition of this body of 
Congress and this nation. Thanks for your service Rene, and I wish you 
all the best in your future nursing career.

                          ____________________