[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 58 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING CHIEF WILLIAM S. JOHNSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, today marks the end of an era as Fire 
Chief William S. Johnson celebrates his retirement after 41 years of 
dedicated service to the Center Fire District of West Haven, 
Connecticut. It is with the greatest pleasure that I rise today to join 
the many family, friends, colleagues and community members who have 
gathered in extending my heartfelt congratulations on this very special 
occasion.
  For more than four decades Chief Johnson has diligently served the 
West Haven community. For him, it has not only been a job but the 
extension of a family legacy. His father served as Chief just a decade 
prior to his own assumption of the title and his grandfather was also a 
volunteer firefighter. Today, his own son, Lieutenant William S. 
Johnson, IV also serves in the Department. There are few firefighters 
in West Haven, volunteer or career, who have not in some way been 
mentored, inspired, or influenced by Chief Johnson.
  Though originally trained as a school teacher, the Chief joined the 
then West Haven Fire Department, later renamed Center District, in July 
of 1966. He quickly rose through the ranks of the independent district 
and was appointed to lead the Department 26 years ago. He is well 
known, not only in West Haven, but across the state of Connecticut and 
nationally as an innovative and progressive leader. Chief Johnson is 
one of the founders of Connecticut's Fire Chiefs' Association and 
worked for years as a fire science instructor at Waterbury State 
Technical College, the University of New Haven, and the National Fire 
Academy. The Chief is credited with being among the first in the state 
to equip the department with cutting-edge protective equipment and 
technology. He also used his department as a testing ground for many 
local and national initiatives and made sure that his Department was 
among the first to implement such programs as the ``Stop Drop, & Roll'' 
educational program for schools and the promotion of fire-retardant 
clothing for children. I had the opportunity to work with Chief Johnson 
on the issue of fire-retardant sleepwear for children and was always 
impressed with the passion and dedication with which he approached and 
advocated for this important issue.
  Throughout a career that has spanned five decades, Chief Johnson has 
demonstrated a unique commitment and dedication to public service. Too 
often we take for granted the incredible work of our country's 
firefighters. I have always held a deep admiration for those who serve 
as firefighters--each day facing new challenges and seemingly 
overwhelming responsibility. It takes a unique combination of bravery, 
compassion, and generosity to serve as a firefighter and especially as 
Chief. As head of the Center District Department, Chief Johnson made 
the men and women of the Department his highest priority--always 
ensuring that they had access to the most current technologies and 
equipment. Perhaps even more telling, until the day of his retirement 
and at the age of 71, Chief Johnson not only responded to incidents but 
joined his men in attacking threatening blazes. The City of West Haven, 
it residents, and families have certainly been fortunate to have him 
protecting their community. Mere words cannot begin to repay him for 
the comfort and security he has provided all.
  It is with the greatest respect and my deepest appreciation that I 
rise today to honor Chief William S. Johnson and thank him for his many 
invaluable contributions to our community and the discipline of 
firefighting. His knowledge, skill, and passion for his work have left 
an indelible mark on our community and a legacy that is certain to 
inspire generations to come. I am pleased to stand today to join his 
wife, Dorothy; children, Michelle, Kimberly, Stephaine, and William; 
grandchildren, Stephaine, Patrick, Michael, Emery, and Richie; as well 
as all of the family, friends, and colleagues gathered tonight in 
extending my heartfelt congratulations to Chief William S. Johnson as 
he celebrates his retirement. Chief--you are a reflection of all that 
we hope our public servants can be and I wish you all the best for many 
more years of health and happiness.




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