[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MARIN COUNTY FIRE CHIEF KEN MASSUCCO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2012

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of a 
passionate and dedicated public servant. Marin County Fire Chief Ken 
Massucco retired at the end of March 2012 after a career of nearly four 
decades protecting our communities.
  After a year volunteering with the Kentfield Fire Protection 
District, Chief Massucco joined Marin County Fire Department in 1974. 
He rose through the ranks as Fire Lieutenant, Senior Captain, and 
Battalion Chief before being appointed Fire Chief in December 2001 by 
the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
  Throughout his tenure, Chief Massucco maintained a special connection 
with the residents he served in unincorporated Marin County, and with 
the firefighters and office staff responsible for keeping our 
communities safe. In a Department that includes more than 80 full-time 
and 60 seasonal workers covering a broad and geographically diverse 
region, it was the care and leadership of Chief Massucco that ensured 
strong partnerships with the public.
  I was especially impressed to see Chief Massucco's work as a lead 
member of the team that battled the Angel Island fire in October 2008. 
Marin County firefighters spearheaded a difficult effort to save 
invaluable cultural and historical treasures, including the Angel 
Island Immigration Station, which is recognized as a National Historic 
Landmark and a part of the California State Parks. All Americans owe a 
debt of gratitude to Chief Massucco and the Marin County Fire 
Department for their efforts to ensure the survival of this unique 
site.
  Chief Massucco also brought his leadership to other public safety 
initiatives, and his work was recognized beyond our County. He assisted 
firefighters in emergencies across California as an Operations Section 
Chief within the Incident Command System, and in 2009 he was recognized 
by the California Fire Chiefs Association as Fire Chief of the Year. 
Chief Massucco also led our County Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, 
which offers emergency services not only in Marin County, but also to 
partners across the country in need of additional responders.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking Chief Massucco for his 
contributions to Marin County. He has set an admirable standard for 
compassionate and responsive public service, and we wish him the best 
in his retirement.

                          ____________________