[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2008-E2009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO FIRE CHIEF MICHAEL VARNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contribution of Fire Chief Michael Varney to the citizens of Ellington, 
Connecticut and the strength of our volunteer corps of first 
responders. Michael was recently selected by Fire Chief Magazine as the 
2007 Volunteer Chief of the Year, a great honor in the field and a 
testament to the commitment and selfless public service of this citizen 
hero. The award is made all the more special given that the nomination 
and selection comes from his peers from across the nation amongst an 
enviable group of worthy candidates. Our nation owes a great debt to 
these first responders who voluntarily put their life on

[[Page E2009]]

the line to ensure the safety of their community and Connecticut is 
very fortunate to have Chief Varney as a member of its fire service.
  After graduating from high school, Michael followed in his father's 
footsteps and began his career at the Ellington Volunteer Fire 
Department where he has now served for 23 years. He quickly moved up 
the ranks and became chief seven years ago. During that time, Michael 
has superbly led the 50-person department and has been instrumental in 
securing almost $500,000 in federal grants to provide the critical 
life-saving equipment necessary to protect his community. He has led 
with dedication and poise under extreme circumstances and developed the 
respect of the region's premier firefighting personnel.
  Michael has also contributed to the state and regional preparedness 
through his involvement with the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association 
and the state's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinating 
Council. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire 
Chiefs committee that has put together a national emergency response 
network of firefighters, hospital staff, and other emergency personnel. 
His full-time position with the Department of Information Technology 
has provided invaluable communication systems expertise not only to his 
department but also to regional and national organizations.
  Chief Varney represents the changing role of our nation's first 
responders and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life of 
service and dedication to the protection of our communities.

                          ____________________