[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CHIEF JOHN SMOOT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                           of west virginia--

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2008

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Chief 
John Smoot who dedicated his life to serving and saving others. He died 
on January 20, 2008 after a long illness in Kanawha County, WV where he 
was a lifelong resident.
  John served in the U.S. Army during World War II and continued his 
military service for 32 years in the Army Reserves and in the West 
Virginia National Guard. He also worked for DuPont Chemical and retired 
after 37 years of employment.
  He is most remembered for his extraordinary service to the citizens 
of Kanawha County, through his 57 years of involvement with first 
responder services and 50 years as chief of the Cedar Grove Fire 
Department.
  He was a champion of emergency services in Kanawha County and in the 
State of West Virginia. He created the Cedar Grove Ambulance Service 
and helped establish county wide ambulance services. He is also the 
original founder of the Kanawha County Fireman's Mutual Aid 
Association.
  He is survived by his wife, Lois Robinson Smoot; his son, John R. 
Smoot; his grandsons, Jonathan and Cody, and his brother; George Smoot. 
Area fireman paid tribute to Chief Smoot by including trucks from all 
Kanawha County Fire Departments in the funeral procession.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring the life of 
John R. Smoot, whose dedication and service is truly admirable. He will 
be sadly missed.

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