[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING CHIEF DAN JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. PRICE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2015

  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief 
Dan Jones of the Chapel Hill Fire Department, who will retire in May 
after 25 years of distinguished service to my hometown of Chapel Hill.
  Chief Jones began his career with the Pinellas Park Fire Department 
in Florida, where he was quickly recognized as a leader and named 
Firefighter of the Year and Florida Fire Instructor of the Year. In 
1990, he left Florida to become Fire Chief in Chapel Hill.
  As soon as he arrived in our community, Chief Jones set about 
modernizing what was then a small-town Fire Department, most notable 
for its Carolina blue trucks. Today, thanks to his leadership, the 
Department is recognized as one of the finest in North Carolina and the 
country.
  Chief Jones has faced his share of challenges as well--notably the 
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity fire in 1996, which took the lives of five 
UNC students. He helped lead the community back from that tragedy, 
bridging the gap between students, Chapel Hill residents, and the Fire 
Department. He also became an advocate for new safety techniques and 
equipment, reforms that have saved countless lives since.
  Chief Jones has received many awards from his peers for his 
remarkable work, including National Fire Service Person of the Year and 
the International Fire Chiefs Association President's Award. He has 
also served as President of the International Society of Fire Service 
Instructors, written extensively on the topic of fire safety, lectured 
at UNC-Chapel Hill, and taught leadership classes around the country 
and the world.
  Chief Jones has also been quick to assist me, particularly during my 
time as Chairman or Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee 
on Homeland Security, giving sound policy advice and convening numerous 
first responder gatherings from central North Carolina.
  Whenever I see a Carolina blue fire truck drive by on Franklin 
Street, I am thankful that Chapel Hill has been lucky enough to have 
Dan Jones serve as its Fire Chief. On behalf of our entire community, 
thank you for your service, Chief Jones. I wish you the very best in 
retirement.

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