[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 11, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING JEFF BAYLESS

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Jeff 
Bayless. Jeff was a senior captain in the Anchorage Fire Department. He 
was born and raised Alaskan, and lived his entire life bettering our 
great State. Jeff began his road to serve in 1986 when he became a 
certified State of Alaska EMT. He then went on to complete paramedic 
training, and began serving with the Mat-Su Borough EMS and the Central 
Mat-Su Fire Department.
  In 1991, Jeff was hired by the Anchorage Fire Department. And in 1995 
when the Fire Department Emergency Medical Services and Fire Operations 
merged, Jeff made the move from paramedic to firefighter. In May of 
2005, Jeff's steadfast dedication was recognized when he was promoted 
to senior fire captain. He served at Fire Station 9 in South Anchorage 
and Fire Station 11 in Eagle River.
  Although a hero in is chosen occupation, Jeff was also a champion in 
his community. As a North Star Bible Camp board member, a youth 
instructor, and with his involvement in the Alaska Fallen Firefighters 
Memorial Committee, he was a pillar of leadership and a stalwart 
example of selfless service.
  Jeff died after participating in a training activity on Friday March 
7, 2014. He will be sorely missed. His commitment to God, family, and 
community will be felt for generations to come. Jeff Bayless is truly 
an Alaskan hero, and we mourn with his wife, Gail, his entire family, 
and his brothers and sisters in the Fire Department.

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