[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOHN CALLAHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
my constituent, John Callahan. Mr. Callahan served as Fire Chief for 
the San Luis Obispo Fire Department. He was a truly honorable member of 
the Central Coast community.
  Chief Callahan began his career in 1970 as a firefighter with the Los 
Angeles Fire Department. He rose through the ranks to become Deputy 
Chief, second in command of the department, before moving north to San 
Luis Obispo County.
  While working in Los Angeles, Chief Callahan supervised the 
implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, served as 
Commander of the Fire Suppression and Rescue Bureau, managed the 
Disaster Preparedness Section, oversaw Communications and Dispatch and 
the In-Service Training Section, and headed up LAFD preparations for 
the 2000 Democratic National Convention.
  After moving to San Luis Obispo, Chief Callahan led the department 
for five years. During this time, he acquired a new Aerial Ladder Truck 
and managed the opening of a new Dispatch Center. He also served as 
President of the local YMCA and was active in the Rotary Club.
  Madam Speaker, it is for good reason that we regularly pay tribute to 
the bravery and sacrifice of our nation's First Responders. They keep 
us safe in our homes and neighborhoods and are always there when we 
need them most. They put our safety and our well being above their own 
every single day. Chief Callahan personified that commitment and the 
entire San Luis Obispo community benefited from this dedicated public 
servant's sense of duty.
  Most importantly, Chief Callahan's family and friends will miss his 
inclusive and generous spirit, his penchant for hard work and love of 
the outdoors. We will all miss his loyalty to his colleagues and his 
community.
  Chief Callahan is survived by his wife, Lynne, and their children, 
Danise, Christopher, Erik and Jake. I know I speak on behalf of the 
entire Central Coast community when I say he will be truly missed.

                          ____________________