[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 167 (Wednesday, October 31, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING FIRE CHIEF LUTHER FINCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2007

  Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, Charlotte, NC is losing one of its most 
dedicated public servants with the retirement of Fire Chief Luther 
Fincher after 45 years. I have personally known and worked with Luther 
for over 24 years. His professional achievements are many--including 
managing our Homeland Security Programs and the Urban Area Security 
Initiative. Luther was instrumental in the development of our ALERT 
team and led it with distinction. It was his dedication and experience 
that made it a reality and has helped Charlotte to be recognized as the 
third most prepared city in the country for emergency management.
  He is a charter member and past president of the International 
Association of Fire Chiefs and has represented this organization all 
over the world, as well as playing a role in passing significant fire 
legislation on a federal level. He was also instrumental in 
establishing the four-year program on Fire Engineering Technology at 
UNC-Charlotte.
  His awards and accomplishments are many, but I am most proud of the 
fact that Luther Fincher is one of the most loyal, sincere, family-
oriented men I have ever known. I am proud to call him friend.
  He is retiring as Fire Chief, but I know he will continue to lend his 
expertise to our city and the Nation.

                          ____________________