[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN TRIBUTE TO DEPUTY CHIEF JIM TOOMEY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2014

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jim 
Toomey of Tolland, Connecticut who a few weeks ago stepped aside from a 
distinguished 42 year career as a Tolland Volunteer Firefighter. When 
Jim entered the department in 1972, little did he know the role and 
operations of a small rural fire department in eastern Connecticut 
would evolve into a far more demanding mission by the end of his 
career.
  In 1972, Tolland was a small rural community with a small force that 
focused on the traditional mission of fighting fires. In the years 
following as Tolland grew and the fire department, in turn, assumed 
more responsibilities, Jim joined the Dive Team, became an EMT, and 
after 9/11 integrated new Department of Homeland Security requirements 
for first responders.
  In 2005, Jim became Deputy Chief and served with distinction until 
his retirement this year. A few weeks ago, an overflow crowd assembled 
to celebrate Jim's retirement at Maneeley's Banquet Center in South 
Windsor and to shower Jim and his wife Karen, their children and 
grandchildren with the well-deserved accolades of his amazing career. 
As someone who worked with Karen in my law practice for 27 years, I saw 
up close the long hours he devoted to the department and the sacrifice 
he and his family made to serve his town so diligently and competently.
  I ask my colleagues in the House to join me and his fellow citizens 
in thanking Jim for the outstanding example of public service he set, 
and for all of the people and property he protected and rescued for 42 
long years.

                          ____________________