[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 169 (Saturday, December 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2199-E2200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BLAKE GOETZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARY BONO MACK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 17, 2010

  Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker I rise today to honor a very 
distinguished member of my community, Fire Chief Blake Goetz.
  Today I wish to recognize Fire Chief Blake Goetz, who has dedicated 
33 years of service to the City of Palm Springs and over 29 years to 
the Palm Springs Fire Department. He will retire from his position as 
Fire Chief on December 31, 2010, and I am pleased to rise to make a few 
remarks on his impressive accomplishments and many contributions to the 
City of Palm Springs.
  Chief Goetz started his career with the Palm Springs Fire Department 
in 1981. Over the years, Chief Goetz has remained committed to 
safeguarding our community and has greatly increased the Coachella 
Valley's preparedness for fires, earthquakes and floods. Goetz 
initiated the Palm Springs Fire Department's Fire Prevention Safety 
Program to spread awareness of the dangers of fire and fire-related 
hazards to local grade schools during Fire Protection Week. His work in 
developing the Palm Springs Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 
brought this critically important program to our area, and has greatly 
enhanced our local community's ability to respond to disaster. Goetz 
was appointed Fire Chief in 2004, and has continued to be an 
outstanding public safety official and well-respected leader in the 
community.
  In addition to his time at the Palm Springs Fire Department, Chief 
Goetz has committed himself to the safety and well-being of the people 
of the Coachella Valley in many other areas. As a certified emergency 
manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers from 
1998 to 2008, Chief Goetz played an essential role in bringing the 
Coachella Valley Emergency Managers Association to our community. Goetz 
has served as a member of the board of directors of Southern California 
Emergency Services Association and is currently chair of the board of 
directors of the Palm Springs Federal Credit Union. Goetz holds a 
lifetime instructor credential in fire science for California Community 
Colleges, and I am confident that he will continue his efforts towards 
promoting safety and protecting others after his retirement.
  Today I stand proud to honor the admirable accomplishments of Fire 
Chief Blake Goetz, and extend my sincere appreciation for his 
distinguished service to the Palm Springs Fire Department and the 
Coachella Valley.

[[Page E2200]]



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