[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 50 (Thursday, April 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF CLAUDE B. DUNLAP, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 7, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, I rise today to honor the life of Northwest Florida's beloved 
Claude B. Dunlap, Jr.
  A native of Florida's First Congressional District, Mr. Dunlap spent 
his childhood and adolescence in Baghdad, Florida. Mr. Dunlap then 
enlisted in the United States Army and served with honor and 
distinction during the Vietnam War. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, 
the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the 
Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Expert Rifle Medal.
  Following his military service, Mr. Dunlap joined the Baghdad 
Volunteer Fire Department in 1973. For nearly 40 years, Mr. Dunlap 
served the citizens of Baghdad and Santa Rosa County, Florida. Mr. 
Dunlap's dedication to the fire department was evident from the 
beginning, and his leadership capabilities were clearly demonstrated as 
he rose to Captain and then to Assistant Chief. In 1995, Mr. Dunlap was 
named Chief of the Baghdad Volunteer Fire Department, a position that 
he held until his recent passing.
  During his tenure as the Fire Chief, the Baghdad Volunteer Fire 
Department grew tremendously. Mr. Dunlap ensured that firefighters had 
the necessary safety equipment to operate on a daily basis and respond 
to calls. Mr. Dunlap also oversaw the purchase of a new Engine, Rescue 
truck, Brush truck, boat, and 2 staff vehicles, as well as the 
beginning of construction on a new fire station.
  In addition to his duties as Fire Chief, Mr. Dunlap worked for more 
than 30 years at the Florida Department of Transportation, where he 
served as a Maintenance Supervisor. In this capacity, Mr. Dunlap 
traveled extensively throughout the state of Florida to assist in the 
cleanup efforts after numerous hurricanes.
  To some, Claude Dunlap will be remembered as a Fire Chief and a 
dedicated servant to the Santa Rosa County community. To others he will 
be remembered as a hero and a patriot, who answered the call of duty 
with honor and distinction. He will long be remembered by his family 
and friends as a loving husband, father and grandfather, and his impact 
on the Northwest Florida community will not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I am proud to 
honor the life of Claude Dunlap and his lasting legacy.

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