[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING KALERVO RUUSKANEN OF CANTERBURY, CONNECTICUT FOR 50 YEARS OF 
     DEDICATED SERVICE IN THE CANTERBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kalervo ``Kavi'' 
Ruuskanen of Canterbury, Connecticut in recognition of his 50 years of 
dedicated service with the Canterbury Volunteer Fire Department.
  In 1960, a young Kalervo Ruuskanen helped friends and neighbors 
extinguish a brush fire. He impressed the local emergency officials so 
much that they asked him to join the department. Now 50 years later, 
Mr. Ruuskanen is the first non-charter member of the Canterbury 
Volunteer Fire Department to have reached the 50-year milestone. This 
accomplishment is a testament both to his skill as a first responder 
and his commitment to serving his fellow man.
  Not only has he been with the Canterbury Volunteer Fire Department 
for 50 years, he has also worked as an emergency medical technician, 
and currently serves as a Constable of Canterbury and volunteers as a 
fire policeman. In small towns across eastern Connecticut where we rely 
on volunteers to protect our homes, our businesses and our way of life, 
men and women like Kalervo Ruuskanen provide a vital service by 
ensuring our safety.
  As the duly elected Representative of the Second Congressional 
District of Connecticut, I ask that my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives join me in extending hearty congratulations and warm 
thanks to Mr. Ruuskanen for his dedication and selfless service to the 
people of Canterbury, Connecticut.

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