[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E219]]
     HONORING MICHEL A. LAJOIE FIRE CHIEF, LEWISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Chief Michel A. 
Lajoie of the Lewiston Fire Department. Chief Lajoie began his career 
as a firefighter in the Lewiston Fire Department in 1970. After taking 
a short break to pursue a career in the automotive industry in 1972, 
Michel Lajoie returned to the Lewiston Fire Department in 1976 and rose 
through the ranks of lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief, before 
finally becoming chief in 1994. This year he retires, having served 
over 30 years in Lewiston.
  Chief Lajoie exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. In 
addition to managing a department of 79 uniformed and civilian 
personnel, he has earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from 
Southern Maine Community College and is a graduate of the Androscoggin 
Leadership Development Institute. Chief Lajoie is a member of a 
Standing Ad-Hoc Committee for the State of Maine Bureau of Labor 
Standards and has been instrumental in the continued review and 
updating of the standards and requirements governing the State of 
Maine's Fire Service.
  His colleagues in Maine selected Chief Lajoie as Fire Chief of the 
Year in 2003 and also nominated him for Fire Chief of the Year in 2003 
for the Fire Chiefs Magazine. Chief Lajoie has served as President of 
the New England Division of the International Association of Fire 
Chiefs, representing the fire service and the Fire Chiefs throughout 
the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island and Connecticut. He also has served as President of the Maine 
Fire Chiefs Association, representing the fire service and Fire Chiefs 
throughout the State of Maine and he currently holds Board positions in 
several professional associations.
  I am proud to honor Chief Lajoie as he embarks on a very well 
deserved retirement. The City of Lewiston and the State of Maine will 
miss him.

                          ____________________