[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF JOSEPH HOUCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEONARD LANCE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2015

  Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
public service of Joseph Houck, who retires after 30 years with the 
Summit Fire Department including seven years as Fire Chief and 
Director.
  Chief Houck obtained an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Fire 
Science Technology from Union County College. He is a graduate of the 
National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program and also 
completed the New Jersey's Certified Public Manager Program and 
received a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Public Administration from 
Fairleigh Dickinson University.
  Chief Houck started with the Summit Fire Department in 1985 as a 
volunteer firefighter and became a career firefighter in 1987. Due to 
his dedication and skill he became a recognized leader in the 
department and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1995, Battalion Chief in 
2000, Deputy Chief in 2005 and Chief and Director in 2008. In addition, 
Chief Houck served as a New Jersey State Fire Instructor and was the 
City of Summit's Fire Official.
  During his accomplished tenure, Chief Houck achieved a number of 
significant accomplishments in service to the City of Summit and in the 
name public safety. The Summit Fire Department was accredited by the 
Center on Fire Accreditation International--the only Fire Department in 
the state to earn such recognition--and the Department's reputation for 
professional and timely service improved under his stewardship. He 
managed numerous disaster responses, including Hurricane Sandy, and was 
a vital part of the City's emergency management team. His insight, 
guidance and experience proved extremely valuable during challenging 
times.
  Chief Houck has also been a member of the New Jersey Career Fire 
Chiefs Association and has been its liaison to the New Jersey Office of 
Homeland Security and Preparedness Emergency Services Sector, a member 
of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and served on its 
Emergency Management Committee working on interstate mutual aid plans.
  I wish Chief Houck many years of happiness in his retirement spent 
with his wife, Irene, and his children. I thank him for his dedicated 
public service.

                          ____________________