[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JAMES DIPACE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
great man and constituent, James DiPace. Mr. DiPace has devoted 37 
years of service to the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, and has served 
as Fire Chief there for the last 15 years.
  The community of Avon is lucky to be home to a man like James DiPace. 
His selfless dedication to the town and his devotion is remarkable, and 
he deserves to be recognized by the House of Representatives as he 
retires as fire chief.
  Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly 
protects more than 16,500 people. During his tenure as Fire Chief, 
Chief DiPace oversaw several incidents in town, but perhaps none more 
powerful than the July 29, 2005 crash at the base of Avon Mountain. 
That morning, a dump truck lost its brakes and careened into a line of 
stopped vehicles at a traffic light. The accident involved 19 vehicles 
and a CT Transit bus. Four people died that morning. On that sad day, 
Chief DiPace acted as incident commander at the scene from 7:30 am 
until after midnight. Two years later, another truck lost its brakes 
and caused an accident at the same intersection. Again, Chief DiPace 
was the incident commander at the scene. During these times of tragedy, 
it was always comforting to know that James DiPace, a man of keen 
interagency relations and cool temperament, was commanding the scene.
  Throughout his service, James DiPace has been an active member of 
Connecticut's community of emergency responders. While Fire Chief, he 
served as Fire Marshall and Emergency Management Director for the town 
of Avon. Additionally, Chief DiPace has served as president of the 
Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association and the Capitol Region Fire 
Marshalls Association.
  James DiPace's service to the community does not stop at the 
firehouse doors. Outside of his commitment to the Avon Volunteer Fire 
Department, Mr. DiPace has been part of many civic organizations in 
town, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. With his 
family, Fire Chief DiPace has also opened his home to several Fidelco 
Guide puppies and dogs, preparing them for their jobs as Seeing Eye 
companions.
  James DiPace has given so much of himself to the town of Avon without 
wanting anything in return. His presence will surely be missed in the 
Avon Volunteer Fire Department. Today, I rise to thank Fire Chief 
DiPace for his remarkable service and wish him the best in retirement.

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