[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 126 (Wednesday, September 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING CHIEF MAURICE L. KEMP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and 
honor Chief Maurice L. Kemp, the first African-American Fire-Rescue 
Chief in the city of Miami's history. This outstanding public servant 
has worked with the City of Miami Fire Department for 24 years and has 
held the positions of lieutenant, captain, assistant fire chief, and 
deputy fire chief.
  Chief Kemp received a bachelor of science degree in biology from 
Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina and a master's degree in 
public administration from Nova Southeastern University.
  As Deputy Fire Chief since 1999, Chief Kemp has overseen the 
technical, management, support, communication, and emergency management 
services, as well as developed and managed budget and legislative 
functions. In 2006, he was appointed the Program Chief and Task Force 
Leader for the United States Department of Homeland Security, FEMA 
Urban Search and Rescue.
  Moreover, Chief Kemp has received accolades throughout his career 
including the Dr. A. Mancebo Memorial Award and recognition from the 
5000 Role Models of South Florida.
  Since 1735, professional and volunteer firefighters have been an 
invaluable facet of our communities, towns, and cities. Through the 
City of Miami's mission to ``serve the citizens of Miami in a 
professional manner by providing rapid emergency response and other 
services to save lives and protect property'' and their motto, 
``Excellence through Service,'' I commend the tremendous bravery of 
Miami's firefighters and am proud to honor each one today on the Floor 
of the House. Ever vigilant, this Nation's firefighters respond quickly 
to emergencies of all kinds and protect and save lives each and every 
day. From the earliest days of Benjamin Franklin's Union Fire Company 
to the famous fire departments of New York City, Chicago, and Boston, 
every fire station in this country has a proud history and tradition of 
distinguished service.
  Today, men such as Chief Kemp along with over one million 
firefighters answer the call of duty and perform extraordinary acts of 
selflessness and valor without hesitation.
  Madam Speaker and my colleagues, I ask that you join me and the 
public safety community in this remarkable show of solidarity. Chief 
Kemp is an outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and 
appreciation. It is with deep respect and admiration that I commend 
Chief Kemp, and thank the men and women in the fire service field that 
dedicate to the selfless protection of others stand together in the 
face of adversity, bonded by sacrifice and a sense of duty.

                          ____________________