[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 50 (Monday, April 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE BURKE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT 65TH ANNUAL 
                    INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the Burke Volunteer Fire 
and Rescue Department, which is hosting its 65th Annual Installation of 
Officers Banquet, to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role 
in keeping the community safe.
   The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in 
January 1948, and for 65 years has provided lifesaving, fire 
suppression/prevention and emergency medical/rescue services to the 
residents of Burke, Fairfax County, and the surrounding communities. It 
also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical 
equipment; provides opportunities for professional growth and 
development for the membership; and maintains and fosters a strong 
viable organization.
   As one of the most active volunteer fire and rescue departments in 
Fairfax County, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in 
cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve 
the community. Last year alone, the Burke station handled 3,384 
incidents and 4,881 unit responses.
   For 2013, the following dedicated men and women deserve special 
recognition for stepping up to become officers and members of the board 
of directors:
   Chief: Thomas Warnock.
  Assistant Chief: Lawrence Bocknek.
  Deputy Chiefs: Tina Godfrey and John Hudak.
  Captain; Melissa Ashby.
  Lieutenant: Keith O'Connor.
  Sergeants: John Rose and Jennifer Babic.
  President: Patrick Owens.
  Vice President: John Powers.
  Secretary: Larry Barnett.
  Treasurer: Sheryl Gilhooly.
  Board Members: L. Joseph Dumas, Crystal Eden, and Alisha Sunde.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
department for 65 years of service and in thanking all of the brave 
volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community 
calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves 
in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''

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