[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF JANET SIKES' SERVICE AS FIRE CHIEF OF THE CITY OF 
                               WOODHAVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janet Sikes for 
her 29 years of service to the Woodhaven Fire Department, 18 of those 
served as Fire Chief. During her career, Janet has saved many lives, 
and enriched countless others.
  Janet has served as a role model in our community as Woodhaven's 
first female fire chief. Her qualifications and professionalism as an 
emergency medical technician, paramedic, and arson investigator have 
inspired others towards public service and her ability to coordinate 
with the department's partners is much-praised among her colleagues. 
Her dedication and good humor has been a tremendous asset for the city, 
and has helped the Fire Department offset budget restrictions and 
foster a greater sense of community in Woodhaven and beyond. Janet is a 
true gem in our community and Woodhaven is fortunate to call her their 
own and grateful for her contributions.
  Janet's commitment to education has been evidenced by her annual 
trips to each elementary school in the city to teach fire safety. 
``Firefighter Jan'' is no stranger to the classroom, and has used her 
experience as a physical education instructor to promote fire 
prevention techniques that students find as exciting as they are 
informative. Jan has also promoted higher education in Woodhaven, 
partnering with Wayne County Community College to provide two full 
scholarships for students in her community to pursue a career in public 
safety.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Chief 
Janet Sikes for her twenty-nine years of service and her lasting impact 
on the Downriver communities. I thank her for her leadership, and wish 
her many years of success.

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