[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING EULESS FIREFIGHTER BATTALION CHIEF GARY THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2012

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize 
Battalion Chief Gary Thompson for his 34 years of public service with 
the City of Euless. He served 32 years of his tenure with the Euless 
Fire Department.
  Thompson began his service in 1976 in the Euless Public Works 
Department. In 1977, Thompson left public service and attended Tarrant 
County College where in 1979 he earned more than 50 hours toward an 
Associate's Degree in Fire Technology. After studying in college, 
Thompson rejoined the Euless Public Works Department in 1979 and then 
left that department to join the Euless Fire Department in 1980.
  After only a month as a firefighter in 1980, Thompson was promoted to 
Second Driver. Thompson's talents were often recognized by his 
superiors, and from 1980 to 1996, he was continuously promoted up the 
ranks. During his tenure, Thompson was promoted to Driver Engineer 
(1981), Lieutenant (1983), Captain (1986), Captain-Paramedic (1989), 
Battalion Chief (1995), and finally Battalion Chief-Paramedic (1996).
  Throughout his career, Thompson has received numerous awards from the 
City of Euless for his outstanding service. The awards include 
Firefighter of the Year (1981), Supervisor of the Year (1986), 
Supervisor of the Year (1988), Paramedic of the Year (1992), 
Distinguished Service Award (1993), Supervisor of the Year (1995), EFD 
Employee of the Year (1998), Lifesaving Award (1999), Distinguished 
Unit Award (2004), Distinguished Unit Award (2006), and Distinguished 
Unit Award (2009).
  Thompson grew up in Euless where he attended Oakwood Terrace 
Elementary, Euless Junior High, and Trinity High School. His father, 
Bill Thompson, also served the Euless community as a police officer for 
25 years where he retired in 1989 as an Assistant Police Chief. 
Thompson is married to Delia, and their family includes three daughters 
and three grandsons.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I 
ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Gary 
Thompson for his 34 years of public service.

                          ____________________