[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REMEMBERING ALMONT TOWNSHIP FIRE CHIEF PAUL WILCOX

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the 
life of Almont Township Fire Chief Paul Wilcox who sadly passed away on 
Thursday, January 8th after a hard fought battle with cancer. I offer 
my deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family members and 
friends and hope they can find comfort and ease during this very 
difficult time.
  As a former township and State elected official, I had the pleasure 
and opportunity to meet and work with Chief Wilcox on several issues. I 
know his leadership, integrity and community service will be greatly 
missed throughout Lapeer County and the entire State of Michigan. He 
truly was a great person.
  Chief Wilcox amazingly fought fires in the Almont area for over 40 
years and served as chief for 23 years. But he took his call of public 
duty beyond the walls of the fire station by serving in numerous roles 
such as an instructor at the Lapeer County Fire Academy during the 
1970s, Almont and Imlay Township building inspector, member of the 9-1-
1 Committee, Lapeer County EMS Committee, National Volunteer Fire 
Council and as President of the Michigan Fire Chief's Association just 
to name a few.
  Again, I cannot stress enough how great of a loss this is for not 
only Almont but both Lapeer County and Michigan. Chief Wilcox was an 
innovative leader and faced any challenge head on. I can remember 
recently visiting the station and meeting with him and fellow 
firefighters about a year and a half ago to present a FEMA grant. There 
wasn't anything he wouldn't do to help the community. He always sought 
to improve the departments' services and resources for the residents he 
so proudly served. He was a tireless advocate for the volunteer fire 
service and took his message and mission to the national level. He 
raised the bar and set high standards which all future chiefs and 
firefighters will now need to live up to.
  I am extremely grateful to have known Chief Wilcox and for the chance 
to have called him a friend. Chief Wilcox had announced his intention 
to retire this spring but unfortunately wasn't afforded that 
opportunity. Without question, he will be greatly missed but rest 
assured certainly not forgotten. I offer my sincere gratitude and 
thanks for his lifetime of dedicated work and service. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to all of those who knew Chief Wilcox and may he receive 
eternal rest.

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