[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JAMES BILLINGS, SR. TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise and pay tribute 
to the life and career of Mr. James Billings, Sr. of Pueblo, Colorado. 
The community has lost a great firefighter and a man, who led a life 
that was dedicated to family, public service and leadership.
   Mr. James Billings, Sr. comes from a family of police officers and 
fire fighters, and it is no surprise that he followed in the honorable 
footsteps of his father and brother. Born and raised in Pueblo, Mr. 
Billings was compelled to serve the city, and joined the Pueblo Fire 
Department in 1953. Serving honorably and with distinction for twenty-
five years, the last six of those years as the assistant fire chief. 
Mr. Billings was so respected as a firefighter that many have described 
working with him as one of the highlights of their careers. Mr. 
Billings' own son, James, Jr. said that the greatest memory of his long 
career as the Pueblo Chief of Police was the first time he was on the 
job with his father. For all the achievements of Mr. Billings' career 
in public service, he was an even more determined family man. With his 
loving wife Rose, he raised five wonderful children, and was a devoted 
husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
   The life of Mr. James Billings, Sr. is one that should be celebrated 
and recognized. This was a man who endlessly devoted himself to public 
service and to his family. Mr. Speaker, it has been my sincere 
privilege to rise and honor Mr. James Billings, Sr.

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