[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF RALPH BLANTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
firefighter Ralph Blanton of Tempe and to recognize the significant 
contributions he made to our community.
  On May 11, 2009 Ralph passed away of natural causes at the age of 79.
  Ralph will be remembered for his active involvement in the 
development and growth of Tempe's first professional fire department. 
He gained valuable experience in the 1950s as a volunteer Tempe 
fireman, long before the formation of a paid fire department. In 1961, 
he, along with 10 others, established the Tempe Fire Department. Ralph 
earned the first ever Fireman of the Year award in 1963 for his 
dedication and work ethic. Finally, after 20 years of service, he was 
the last member of the original force to retire.
  In addition to Ralph's extensive career achievements, he was also 
known for his role as a mentor. Many young firefighters looked up to 
him and learned priceless lessons, chief among them to take pride in 
one's work. Together, he and his wife Shirley helped establish an 
annual picnic for retired Tempe firefighters, which the union plans to 
rename the Ralph Blanton Retirees Picnic for Tempe firefighters in his 
honor.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Ralph 
Blanton and remembering the strong and positive impact he left on his 
community and the many people who knew and loved him.

                          ____________________