[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 135 (Tuesday, September 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING RAYMOND F. ``DOC'' KIERNAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2011

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fire 
Commissioner Raymond F. ``Doc'' Kiernan who will be honored September 
15 upon his retirement after a 45-year career with the New Rochelle, 
New York Fire Department.
  A lifelong New Rochelle resident, Doc Kiernan was a true 
``firefighter's fire commissioner,'' rising through the ranks to become 
New Rochelle Fire Commissioner in 1985. His experience at every level 
of the Department prepared him well. As Commissioner, he advocated 
tirelessly at all levels of government for increased resources for 
firefighter training and equipment. His knowledge became especially 
valuable after September 11, 2001, as I and other elected officials 
turned to Commissioner Kiernan for advice on complex issues such as 
emergency preparedness and radio interoperability.
  Doc Kiernan's lifetime of dedicated service extends far beyond the 
New Rochelle Fire Department. He served in the United States Coast 
Guard on active duty and in the Reserve from 1965 through 1971. He was 
active in a number of professional organizations, including the 
International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Northeastern States Fire 
Consortium, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the 
Westchester Career Fire Chiefs Association, the National Fire 
Protection Association, and the International Society of Fire Service 
Instructors. Additionally, Ray serves as a member of the Fire Advisory 
Board to the Westchester County Executive, on the Board of Directors of 
the Westchester Fire Fighters Emerald Society Pipe Band and as the 
current past chairman of the New York State Career Fire Chiefs 
Committee. He previously was a member of the New Rochelle Fire Fighters 
Association Executive Board and is a past president of the New Rochelle 
Fire Officers Association.
  Commissioner Kiernan also has shared his time and talents with a host 
of community organizations, including the United Way, on both the local 
and county level. He was a chair of New Rochelle Heart Committee of the 
American Heart Association. His many volunteer contributions have won 
him honors and awards from numerous organizations including the Knights 
of Columbus, Huguenot Lions Club, and Casa Calabria.
  I am proud to recognize New Rochelle Fire Commissioner Raymond F. 
``Doc'' Kiernan for his exemplary service and commitment, and I urge my 
colleagues to join with me in wishing him many happy years in 
retirement.