[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 78 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WARREN SAVAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize someone who has 
dedicated their entire life to the service of their fellow citizen. 
This week, Warren H. Savage, Jr. will conclude his term as the 
Executive Director of the Santee, California Chamber of Commerce; a 
final chapter in a career that began fifty-five years ago when he first 
entered public service as a member of the United States Navy.
  The Navy only marks the starting point for Warren, whose list of 
accomplishments is as distinguished as it is long. He served thirty-six 
years in the Naval Reserve, including four years on active duty, with 
his final twenty years of service as a commissioned Naval Officer.
  Warren also served two states and several localities as a volunteer 
firefighter and instructor. His leadership roles over the course of his 
career, whether as a member of the military, a community volunteer or 
an advocate for the city of Santee, are a testament of selfless 
devotion.
  To know Warren, it's necessary to reflect on his decision to join the 
Navy. We all know that Americans join the military for one of several 
reasons. In some cases, the decision is based on the education and 
benefits that are available. Others choose to serve in the interest of 
acquiring direction or discipline that might be missing in their lives. 
Then there are those who serve because they love America and believe in 
everything it stands it for, which is exactly the type of person Warren 
is--a selfless patriot who understands that quality leadership and 
personal sacrifice are what defines this great country.
  Warren's contribution doesn't end there. In fact, it's just the 
beginning of what would be many more years of public service in varying 
forms, including serving residents in both Virginia and California as a 
volunteer firefighter. He held positions as Assistant Chief and Deputy 
Chief in Burke, VA; Deputy Chief and Fire Chief in Annandale, VA, and 
Battalion Chief and Chief Training Officer for Fairfax County, VA.
  Warren also trained his fellow volunteers as a National Fire 
Protective Association (NFPA) Instructor IV for the Commonwealth of 
Virginia Office of Fire Programs, and served as a curriculum reviewer 
and writer for Virginia State Fire programs. He was also an adjunct 
instructor for the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and 
The Commonwealth of Virginia State Fire Academy.
  Warren was instrumental in starting the International Association of 
Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Volunteer Section and was a member of the IAFC 
Accreditation Development Group and served as a member of the 
Accreditation alpha site and team leader and member of beta site, as 
well as a peer assessor and team leader at on-site Accreditation of 
Fire Agencies. He was a contributing author of the Commission on Fire 
Accreditation International's (CFAI) `` Fire and Emergency Services 
Self Assessment'' manual as well as its ``Exceeding Customer 
Expectation'' manual.
  Eventually, Warren and his wife Barbara found themselves together in 
Santee, California, where he would continue his life of dedicated 
service in both the business and firefighter community.
  As Executive Director for the Santee Chamber of Commerce, he has 
worked diligently to promote good relationships with the City of 
Santee, the School Department, the Water Authority and businesses in 
the area. He also serves as a member of California's State Citizen 
Corps council, a statewide policy board and is the California State 
Advocate for Fire Corps under Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  Warren is also the Chairman of the San Diego County Heartland 
Paramedic Program County Service Area. He also served on the Community 
Oriented Policy Committee since January 2008 and the Salary Setting 
Advisory Committee since January 2009. Warren has been involved with 
the Santee Collaborative since 1996 and chaired the Santee 
Redevelopment POC.
  Warren's life has been defined by service to his fellow citizen. He 
might be retiring, but that just means Warren will have even more time 
to do what he enjoys most: serving others. Call it a new chapter of 
that selfless pursuit he's shown for so many years.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Warren continued success in everything he does. 
And I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to such a great 
American.

                          ____________________