[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO CHARLES PRATHER, FIRE CHIEF ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Orange County, California are exceptional. Orange County has been 
fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly 
and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Fire Chief Charles ``Chip'' Prather is 
one of these individuals. Chief Prather is retiring from the Orange 
County Fire Authority (OCFA) and today I honor his years of public 
service.
  Chief Prather became Fire Chief for the Orange County Fire Authority 
on October 1, 1997. In this capacity he is responsible for the daily 
operation of one of the largest fire organizations in the State of 
California. Under Chief Prather's direction are a total of 1,500 
firefighters, reserves and professional staff. The OCFA serves 22 
cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County, with a total 
population of more than 1,300,000, from 62 fire stations and has an 
annual operating budget of 260 million dollars.
  In addition, Chief Prather currently serves on the Orange County 
Emergency Council, Chairs the Orange County Emergency Operational Area 
Council, Fire Scope Board of Directors, Co-chairs an Orange County 
Joint Law/Fire/Health anti-terrorism advisory committee and is a member 
of the California Fire Chiefs Association Executive Board of Directors. 
In 2002, Chip was appointed by Governor Davis to the State Emergency 
Council which advises the Governor on policy matters during times of 
disaster and served on the states 2003 Blue Ribbon Fire Commission.
  Chief Prather is also is a member of The Raise Foundation's Advisory 
Board (formerly Prevent Child Abuse Orange County), serves as a member 
of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Trauma Intervention 
Program Advisory Board and numerous other boards and commissions. Chief 
Prather was honored as the recipient of the Boy Scouts Spurgeon Award 
2000 for his involvement in Explorer Scouting and in 2002 was selected 
as the Fire Chief of the Year by the California Fire Chiefs 
Association.
  Chief Prather is a member of the following organizations: Orange 
County Chambers of Commerce, International Association of Fire Chiefs, 
Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Association, California Fire Chiefs' 
Association, California State Firefighters' Association, the Orange 
County Fire Chiefs' Association and the National Fire Protection 
Association.
  Chip holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and has completed 
the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for 
Senior Executives in state and local government. He has also attended 
the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy, completing 
the Executive Fire Officer Program.
  Chief Prather and his wife Katie live in San Clemente California with 
their two children.
  Chief Prather's tireless passion for community and public service has 
contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Orange 
County, California. I am proud to call Chip a fellow community member, 
American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful 
for his service and salute him as he retires.

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