[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   RECOGNIZING THE BURKE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT'S 66TH 
                ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the Burke Volunteer Fire 
and Rescue Department, which is hosting its 66th Annual Installation of 
Officers Banquet, and in thanking 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 more than 6 decades it 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 County's most active volunteer fire and rescue 
departments, 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 responded to 
thousands of incidents.
  I am honored to recognize several of the dedicated men and women of 
the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty 
as officers or as members of the board of directors or who are 
receiving awards for their superlative service to the department and 
the community. It gives me great pleasure to introduce the names of 
these individuals into the Congressional Record:
  2014 Award Recipients:
  Founder's Award--Kevin Grottle.
  Rookie of the Year--Chris Smith.
  Firefighter of the Year--Paul Stracke.
  EMS Provider of the Year--Emily Fincher.
  Officer of the Year--Mike Powell.
  Administrative Person of the Year--Nancy Stone.
  Career Member of the Year--Mike Istvan.
  Chief's Award--BVFRD Maintenance Team: Larry Bocknek, Kevin Grottle, 
Shaun Kurry, and Alex Budd.
  Board of Directors:
  President Patrick Owens.
  Vice President John Powers.
  Secretary Greg Fedor.
  Treasurer Sheryl Gilhooly.
  Larry Barnett.
  Rich Guarrasi.
  Alisha Sunde.
  Officers:
  Chief Thomas Warnock.
  Deputy Chief Tina Godfrey.
  Deputy Chief John Hudak.
  Captain Melissa Ashby.
  Captain Keith O'Connor.
  Lieutenant John Rose.
  Sergeant Jennifer Babic.
  Sergeant Kevin Grottle.
  Sergeant Mike Hertig.
  Sergeant Mike Powell.
  Team Leader FF Paul Stracke.
  Team Leader Paramedic Dave Horne.
  Team Leader Catherine Owens.
  Chaplain Harry Chelpon.
  I also wish to recognize Assistant Chief and Lifetime Member Lawrence 
A. Bocknek on the occasion of his retirement following 29 years of 
service with the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and 40 
total years in the fire service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
department for 66 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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