[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. JOSEPH KEECHLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Joseph Keechler, who has volunteered with the City of Sonoma, 
California and the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority (SVFRA) for 
40 years. Mr. Keechler inherited his passion for service to his father, 
Ralph. Together, Joseph and Ralph Keechler have volunteered with the 
SVFRA for a remarkable 100 years combined.
  Building on his family's roots in Sonoma, Mr. Keechler has developed 
his own strong ties to the area. He earned his Associate's Degree from 
Santa Rosa Junior College, and with his wife Susan, raised her 
children, Sam and Jack, in his hometown.
  With his long history of service to our community, Mr. Keechler 
serves as a reliable and trusted leader in Sonoma. He has earned the 
rank of Captain with the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, 
serving as a leader of the organization that ensures fire, rescue, and 
emergency medical services to Sonoma and surrounding communities. 
Furthermore, Mr. Keechler serves on the Board of the Sonoma Volunteer 
Firefighters' Association, sharing his firsthand experience for the 
benefit of other volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Keechler has dedicated his time and knowledge to 
serving his community for four decades, and Joseph and Ralph Keechler's 
unique contribution of a combined century of volunteerism is an 
inspiring example to our country. Therefore, it is fitting and proper 
to honor him here today.

                          ____________________