[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO DAVE CARLSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY 
                      OF RIVERSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2005

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Fire 
Chief Dave Carlson for his dedicated service to our country and our 
community. Mr. Carlson recently retired as the Fire Chief of the city 
of Riverside, California. He has protected our citizens as a warrior 
and fireman over a 39-year career in public service.
  Dave grew up in Sacramento and graduated from Luther Burbank High 
School in 1966. Two weeks later he enlisted in the Navy to pursue his 
childhood dream of becoming a ``frogman.'' Dave graduated from 
Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and went on to serve two tours of 
duty in Vietnam. In 1972 he became a firefighter in Santa Barbara 
County, California. Dave worked his way through the ranks and became a 
Battalion Chief in 1981. Constantly striving for self improvement, Dave 
attended college on his days off. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in 
Public Service Management and a Master's Degree in Public 
Administration from the University of La Verne. In 1991, Dave became 
the Fire Chief in the City of Norco, California. In 1994, he became the 
Deputy Fire Chief of the City of Riverside and in 1996 he was appointed 
Fire Chief.
  Dave Carlson is always looking for innovative ways to provide better 
public safety service to the community. In 1999 he implemented a 
paramedic program through a joint partnership with American Medical 
Response and the Riverside County Medical Services Agency. This 
partnership resulted in a higher level of emergency care and faster 
emergency response at no cost to the City of Riverside's general fund.
  Throughout his career, Dave has served in professional and public 
organizations. He has always been active in the California Fire Chiefs' 
Organization, serving a two-year term as President from 2000 to 2002. 
He is also the Chair of the Department of Corrections Citizens' 
Advisory Committee for the California Rehabilitation Center. In 2004, 
Dave's accomplishments were justly recognized when he received the 
Distinguished Public Service Career Award from the City of Riverside 
and was named the ``Fire Chief of the Year'' by the California Fire 
Chiefs' Association.
  Fire Chiefs such as Dave Carlson provide a remarkable level of 
protection to our communities. They work just as hard at preventing 
fires and accidents as they do in responding to them. Dave has had an 
exceptional career keeping our community safe. He has earned my many 
thanks and I wish him great success in all his future endeavors.

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