[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO JON ASPER

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, to place your life in danger for the sake 
of others is an honorable and noble task, and that is exactly what 
firefighters do regularly. Chief Jon Asper of the Greater Eagle Fire 
Protection District is a local legend and hero whose main goal in life 
is to serve his community to the best of his abilities. Jon's efforts 
are certainly commendable and I would like to take this opportunity to 
thank him for the important role that he has played in protecting and 
serving the people of Colorado.
  ``Jon Jon'', as he is affectionately known, has volunteered his time 
to the Eagle Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 20 years. He has held 
various positions with the department, including Public Relations 
Officer, Fire Prevention Officer, Second Lieutenant Training Officer, 
and Operations Captain, before becoming chief of the department. He has 
also spent a career in business as the owner of Winterhawk 
Establishment, and as a friendly bartender and bar manager for a number 
of local establishments.
  Going above and beyond his duty as a firefighter is par for the 
course when it comes to Jon. He is constantly trying to make himself a 
better firefighter and stronger leader of his crew, taking numerous 
Continuing Education classes towards a degree in Fire Science 
Technology. He has also been an instrumental figure in the Eagle County 
Firefighter Academy and in providing a Drivers Education Class. Jon and 
his crew's hard work and training have paid off numerous times in 
battling forest fires, especially during the Ute Creek Fire in the 
Summer of 2002. In 2002, the Department received the Daily Point of 
Light Award, from the Points of Light Foundation which honors 
individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect 
Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, Jon Asper acts with great commitment and leadership in 
all that he does for his community as Chief of the Greater Eagle Fire 
Protection District. Jon never forgot that safety and protection came 
first and foremost for the people he served. It is my pleasure to 
recognize Jon before this body of Congress and this Nation. I would 
like to extend my appreciation to him for everything that he has done 
and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

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