[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ROBERT (BOB) LECLERCQ

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Robert (Bob) Leclercq as he completes his distinguished career as a 
firefighter in Garden City, Michigan.
  Bob has dedicated his life to helping the citizens of Michigan. Upon 
graduation from East Garden City High School in 1970, he joined the 
National Guard as a Medical Corpsman in the Mobile Army Surgical 
Hospital, Unit 2077, of Detroit. Bob began his career as a firefighter 
in Garden City on October 30, 1979. During 23 years of honorable and 
dedicated service, he advanced through the ranks from Firefighter to 
Engineer to Lieutenant and ultimately to Captain.
  For two decades, Bob has vigorously pursued additional education and 
specialized training, including Advanced Firefighting, EMT Specialist, 
Pump Operator, and Hazardous Materials courses. He has also served as 
Trustee, Secretary, and currently as President on the International 
Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1911 Executive Board. In addition, 
Bob started two beneficial community programs: one, which teaches CPR 
classes; the second, which takes blood pressures at the senior tower. 
In 1986, the Jaycees recognized Bob's contributions with the Michigan's 
Top Ten Outstanding Young People Award.
  At this milestone in Bob's life, let us reflect upon the decades of 
his dedication; let us remember the scores of lives which have been 
touched by his benevolence; and let us not forget the bravery and 
courage with which he served and protected. His friends and family are 
inspired by his accomplishments, honored by his loyalty, and ennobled 
by his exemplary love for neighbor and community.
  Mr. Speaker--Bob's wife, Brenda, his children, Bob Jr. and Sherri, 
and his grandson, Drake, have ample reason to celebrate. In honor of 
his commitment to protecting all the citizens of Michigan and of his 
legendary dedication to improving the lives of Garden City residents, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bob for his years of 
service to our community and our country.

                          ____________________