[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING LT. THOMAS CHRISTENSEN AND FIREFIGHTER JEREMY BROWN OF THE 
                        WAUKEGAN FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Thomas 
Christensen and Firefighter Jeremy Brown of the Waukegan Fire 
Department.
  As Hazardous Device Technicians, Lt. Christensen and Firefighter 
Brown were the driving force behind the City of Waukegan's effort to 
secure a grant from the Illinois Terrorism Task Force for an Andros F6A 
Robot and transport vehicle to better respond to hazardous device 
incidents.
  Currently there are only 12 bomb squads in Illinois. The Waukegan 
squad services Lake and McHenry counties in northeastern Illinois. Last 
year, the squad responded to more than 40 bomb calls. The most notable 
was a bank robbery where the suspect claimed to have an explosive 
device which he left on the teller counter after fleeing the crime 
scene.
  With the F6A Robot and transport vehicle, the Waukegan Fire 
Department is better equipped to respond to bomb related calls. This 
equipment would not be possible without the diligence of Lt. 
Christensen and Firefighter Brown. The two men conceived the idea, 
developed the justifications and specifications and oversaw the 
construction.
  Lt. Christensen and Firefighter Brown represent an outstanding 
division that was first formed in 1971. The team consists of several 
certified bomb squad members who put their lives on the line on a daily 
basis for northeastern Illinois.
  I am proud of the achievements of these fine first responders.

                          ____________________