[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 8 (Tuesday, February 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E116]]
               RECOGNIZING FIRE CHIEF MICHAEL J. PRESTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Michael J. 
Preston, Newark, California's Fire Chief, who is retiring after thirty 
years of exemplary service.
  Chief Preston joined the Newark Fire Department on May 1, 1974 as a 
firefighter. He rose through the ranks to be appointed City of Newark 
Fire Chief on January 1, 2001. He was president of the Newark 
Firefighters Association from 1980 to 1985 and assumed the duties of 
Fire Marshal on December 16, 1987. In his capacity as Fire Marshal, 
Chief Preston developed the City's sprinkler ordinance for residential 
occupancies. He was promoted to First Assistant Fire Chief on January 
1, 1990 and promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 1993.
  In 1998, Chief Preston served as the City of Newark's Disaster 
coordinator and in this capacity, procured an auxiliary water system 
for emergency use. He was also instrumental in promoting the highest 
level of advanced life support by supporting the presence of paramedics 
on City of Newark fire engines. In 1999, Chief Preston served as 
President of the Alameda County Fire Chief's Emergency Medical Services 
Section.
  He has made numerous contributions to enhance the fire safety of 
Newark's residents. He secured the Automatic Aid Agreement with the 
neighboring city of Union City and supported technological advancements 
for the city by procuring advanced technology fire engines that 
improved service levels. He has also promoted programs that have proven 
beneficial to the County of Alameda by assisting in the development of 
the Alameda County Emergency Medical Service System.
  I join the admirers of Michael J. Preston's thirty years of dedicated 
commitment to excellence and offer my sincere appreciation for all he 
has done to make a difference.

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