[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 65 (Friday, May 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E643-E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE BURKE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT'S 67TH 
                             ANNUAL BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the Burke Volunteer Fire 
and Rescue Department, which is hosting its 67th 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.
   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 submit the names of these 
individuals:
   Board of Directors:
   President Rich Guarrasi, Vice President John Powers, Treasurer 
Patrick Owens, Secretary Greg Fedor, Board Members-at-Large Larry 
Barnett, Larry Bocknek, and Alisha Sunde
   Line Officers:
   Chief Thomas Warnock, Deputy Chief John Hudak, Deputy Chief Tina 
Godfrey, Administrative Member Manager Catherine Owens, Captain II 
Melissa Ashby, Captain II Larry Bockneck, Captain II Keith O'Connor, 
Lieutenant Kevin Grottle, Sergeant Jennifer Babic, Sergeant Emily 
Fincher, Team Leader Peter Hamilton, Team Leader James Reyes, Team 
Leader Paul Stracke, Team Leader Harry Chelpon, Staffing Coordinator 
Shaun Kurry, Chaplain Harry Chelpon
   Length of Service Awards:
   5 Years: Richard Guarrasi
   10 Years: Harry Chelpon, Ed Gilhooly
   15 Years: Tina Godfrey
   Life Member: Harry Chelpon
   Department Awards:
   Founders Award: John Hudak
   Rookies of the Year: Caitlin Curran, Megan Bush, Barry Brown
   Firefighter of the Year: Peter Hamilton
   EMS Provider of the Year: James Reyes
   Officer of the Year: Tina Godfrey
   Admin. Member of the Year: Becky Dobbs
   Career Members of the Year: Tim Barb, David ``Happy'' Gilmore

[[Page E644]]

   Team Award: BVFRD Train Team: Melissa Ashby, Kevin Grottle, Shaun 
Kurry
   Chief's Award: Shaun Kerry
   President's Awards: Nancy Stone, Charlene Murphy
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
department for 67 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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