[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 44 (Thursday, March 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT RECIPIENTS OF THE 
          FAIRFAX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2009 VALOR AWARD

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today, joined by my 
colleagues Rep. Frank Wolf and Rep. James Moran, to recognize an 
outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These 
individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and 
have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Fairfax County 
Chamber of Commerce.
  The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line 
of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment 
to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put 
their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods 
safe. More than 80 awards were presented at this year's ceremony in a 
variety of categories: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, 
or the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal of Valor.
  Nine members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department earned 
this high honor. It is with great pride that we submit their names into 
the Congressional Record:
  Recipients of the Lifesaving Award: Shift Captain Ronald A. Gemsheim 
Jr. and Firefighter Brian J. Bonkoski.
  Recipients of the Certificate of Valor: Technician Michael S. Eddy, 
Technician Tie L. Burlow, Technician Kathleen M. Vorbau, and 
Firefighter Medic Damian C. Ripley.
  Recipients of the Bronze Medal of Valor: Station Captain Tony C. 
Kostecka, Firefighter Miguel Obleas, and Firefighter Henry T. Chan.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, we would like to take this opportunity to 
thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Fire and 
Rescue Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of 
Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our 
highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in applauding this 
group of remarkable citizens.

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