[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 119 (Tuesday, August 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ROBERT E. RUCKER, JR., ON HIS PROMOTION TO BATTALION CHIEF FOR 
                 THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID SCHWEIKERT

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 7, 2012

  Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the Honorable Jeff 
Denham to congratulate and honor Robert E. Rucker, Jr., on his 
promotion to Battalion Chief for the City of Scottsdale Fire 
Department.
  Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Bobby Rucker, Jr., pursued 
a career in fire service. In 1988, he started his career with the Rural 
Metro Corporation. He attended the academy of 88-01, receiving the 
award for Outstanding Cadet Firefighter as selected by Fellow Cadets. 
His training was immediately followed with a trip to Yellowstone to 
participate in one of the largest forest fires in American history. 
Robert served as a PT instructor for 92-01 and 97-02 academies, as well 
as a Reserve Coordinator for 3 years. During his 17 years with Rural/
Metro, he served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain before being 
hired by the City of Scottsdale in 2005.
  Prior to his promotion to Battalion Chief, he worked as a Captain on 
engine 602 in downtown Scottsdale. He was temporarily reassigned as a 
Recruit Training Officer for Academy 08-01 and again recently for 
Academy 12-01. Robert has been an active member on the deployment team, 
safety team, EMS team, facilities team, and training team.
  Battalion Chief Rucker was a recipient of the 2009 City Manager's 
Award of Excellence in recognition of the Police/Fire group ability to 
Collaborate as a Team and was nominated in 2007 for Fire Captain of the 
Year at the Firefighter's Choice Awards. In addition, he has received 
commendations for the 1988 Yellowstone Fire and the 1995 Rio Fire.
  Bobby's formal education consists of an Associate of Applied Science 
Degree in Fire Science from Scottsdale Community College and a Bachelor 
of Applied Science in Emergency Services Administration, Magna Cum 
Laude from Northern Arizona University.
  During his career, Bobby has always had the loving support of his 
wife Toni, son Trevor, daughter Morgan, his father, Bob Rucker, Sr., 
and step-mother Micki, his mother, Cathy Hoff and her husband Bob, his 
sister Sharon Rucker, and step-brother Brian Hoff.
  Mr. Speaker, please join us in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to fire safety by Battalion Chief Bob E. 
Rucker, Jr., and hereby wish him continued success in his career.

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