[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H4421-H4422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING TUCSON FIRE DEPARTMENT CAPTAIN DIANA BENSON

  (Ms. McSALLY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. McSALLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tucson Fire 
Department Captain Diana Benson for her many years of service to the 
community upon her upcoming retirement.
  Captain Benson was one of the first women in the Tucson Fire 
Department, the first career female firefighter, and the first female 
lead training officer. During her 25 years in the department, she has 
been a pioneer and role model.

[[Page H4422]]

  Captain Benson served on the technical rescue team, a highly 
specialized crew responsible for conducting swift water, extrication, 
and rope rescues. She has been a reliable leader in the department who 
initiated numerous peer fitness programs and also served as a member of 
the Tucson Fire Honor Guard. She has been highly involved in Camp Fury 
and the cadet program, serving as a mentor to Tucson youth and opening 
doors to nontraditional careers, such as firefighting, for girls.
  No doubt, Captain Benson's positive impact on the department and 
legacy of excellence lasting over two decades will be lasting. I wish 
her all the best in her upcoming retirement.

                          ____________________