[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF FIRE CHIEF BERNARD M. BENEDICT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Fire Chief 
Bernard M. Benedict, upon his retirement from the Middleburg Heights 
Fire Department, following nearly forty years of leadership, service 
and dedication to the citizens of Middleburg Heights.
  Chief Benedict joined the Middleburg Heights Fire Department on June 
16, 1973. In November of that year, he completed the State of Ohio's 
160 Hour Fire Training course, finishing fourth in his class. On June 
29th, 1977, he graduated from the Paramedic Program at Cuyahoga County 
Community College. One year later, Chief Benedict became one of the 
first paramedic-firefighters with the Middleburg Heights Fire 
Department. From the beginning, Chief Benedict set a tone of 
camaraderie and professionalism within the Department, and he easily 
gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors.
  Equipped with expertise in the safety field, an unwavering dedication 
to his vocation, and an affable nature, he quickly rose through the 
ranks, and was appointed as Acting Lieutenant in March, 1987. Committed 
to continuing his education, Chief Benedict completed his Associate's 
Degree in Emergency Medical Technology in 1990. In 2000, he was 
appointed as the Technical Rescue Director for the Southwest Emergency 
Response. One year later, in May of 2001, he was appointed Chief of the 
Middleburg Heights Fire Department.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Fire Chief 
Bernard M. Benedict for his commitment and his leadership in creating a 
safe community for everyone who lives and works in Middleburg Heights. 
His superior work as Chief, firefighter, paramedic and instructor has 
set the bar high for safety, response and protection within Middleburg 
Heights, Ohio. His service will forever be a true example for others to 
follow.

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