[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 178 (Thursday, December 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF JERRY EDISON HOCKADAY

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 3, 2009

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deputy 
Fire Chief Jerry Edison Hockaday on the eve of his retirement after 50 
years with the Angier and Black River Fire Department in Angier, North 
Carolina.
  Mr. Hockaday was born on May 28, 1941 and joined the Angier and Black 
river fire Department on January 1, 1960 when he was just 20 years old. 
He quickly rose through the ranks and has been the Deputy Fire Chief 
for the last ten years. In his 50 years with the Angier and Black Fire 
Department, he has responded to fires, auto accidents, hurricanes, 
tornadoes, floods, electrical storms and other various rescue 
situations. He has shared his knowledge with young firefighters, many 
of whom have continued on to become officers with the department or 
other professionals with the fire service. Jerry is a tireless servant 
of the community and the Angier and Black River Fire District has been 
fortunate to have him.
  I know how important it is to have firefighters ready for action with 
the training and resources they need. The Angier and Black River Fire 
Department is part of a vast network of fire officers and other public 
safety personnel who devote their lives to protecting their communities 
and responding to crisis situations. When a person dials 9-1-1 in an 
emergency, the phone doesn't ring in Washington, D.C., it rings right 
here in our community. I served on the House Committee on Homeland 
Security from its inception until this past year, and one of my highest 
priorities on the committee was to make sure the Department of Homeland 
Security works as closely as possible with local emergency management 
officials and first responders. The responsibility of the Federal 
government must be to protect the American people, and a large part of 
that is supporting local fire departments in their work.
  The job of a fireman is not easy, and Jerry risked his life everyday 
for his neighbors and his community. He is a true American hero. I am 
proud to have Jerry in my community, and I ask my colleagues to join in 
congratulating his bravery and half a decade of diligent service.

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