[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN MEMORY OF SAMUEL B. WARD, JR., LONGTIME CHESTER HEIGHTS FIRE CHIEF 
  WITH A LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, COMPASSION, COURAGE, AND DEDICATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great 
sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of my good friend, 
Samuel B. Ward, a longtime Chester Heights Fire Chief, veteran, 
engineer and community leader. As his family, friends and neighbors 
mourn the passing of Sam Ward, I want to take a few moments today to 
remember his work and the difference he made in the community he served 
so bravely and selflessly.
  Mr. Ward was born in Chester, but grew up in Chester Heights, a 
community with whom he had a life-long affiliation. After enlisting at 
the end of World War II, he attended Pennsylvania Military College, now 
Widener University, where he played football and received a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Industrial Engineering.
  Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Ordinance Corps, he was 
detailed to the Infantry and served in Korea as a Heavy Mortar Platoon 
Leader and Executive Officer, earning his Combat Infantry Badge. After 
returning from Korea, he was assigned to the Tank and Automotive 
Command in Michigan before leaving the military and returning to 
Chester Heights.
  After his military service, he returned to the fledgling Chester 
Heights Volunteer Fire Company, and was elected to positions of 
increasing leadership including Engineer, Assistant Fire Chief, and 
finally Fire Chief, a position he held for 35 years.
  Firefighting is a matter of life and death, and individuals like Sam 
Ward assume an enormous responsibility when they accept the job of 
running a fire department. They are responsible for the lives, homes, 
and livelihoods of thousands of citizens throughout their community. 
And on a day-to-day basis they become directly responsible for the 
health and welfare of all the men and women they supervise. Chief Ward 
discharged his enormous responsibilities with real distinction. During 
his 35 years as chief, a good department became even better. Chief Ward 
was respected for his commitment to public safety and his ability to 
get things done.
  An innovator in the fire service, he developed the first workable 
portable Air Bank in the county, a system which recharges the air packs 
worn by firefighters. As chairman of the Delaware County Radio 
Committee, his work laid the foundation for the county-wide fire 
response radio and the 911 service.
  Within the community, Mr. Ward served the borough of Chester Heights 
in numerous capacities, including Fire Marshal, Council Member and 
President of Borough Council. In later years, he used his expertise 
from the fire service to serve as Coordinator of Emergency 
Preparedness.
  Mr. Ward's service activities also included a very active role in the 
Boy Scouts of Troop 260, where as a boy he earned his Eagle Scout. His 
leadership on the troop committee provided opportunities for boys of 
the area to experience adventure activities and other projects to 
enhance their scouting life. His other community involvement included 
various service organizations, including the Lions, Jaycees, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars and Concordville Rotary.
  Mr. Ward worked throughout his career as a metal fabricator, 
eventually founding his own business, which had a reputation for 
quality and innovation for more than 34 years.
  He married the former Mary Frances Ahearn, his high school and 
college sweetheart, in 1951, who died in 1995. He is survived by one 
daughter, Joan and four sons, Steven, James, Lawrence and Joseph, and 
one sister, Polly (Madeline); and seven grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, the 7th Congressional District has lost an exceptional 
public servant, and I have lost a good friend. I wish Chief Ward's 
family, my heartfelt condolences and may they find comfort in knowing 
that the many people he impacted deeply value his dedication and 
generosity and the example of his life and work. Chief Samuel B. Ward 
exemplified the spirit of service that has made this country great. 
This man was a genuine community leader. He not only did his job well, 
he loved it, and the community he served. We are safer because of his 
life and service. I am personally grateful to have known Chief Ward as 
a friend, and mourn his passing.

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