[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 111 (Monday, July 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MANTECA CITY FIRE CHIEF KIRK WATERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2016

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor 
Manteca City Fire Chief Kirk Waters, who has announced his retirement 
after 29 years of service.
  Kirk always sought a career that allowed him to be of service to 
others, and ultimately received a degree from Pruitt College of 
Respiratory Therapy. After becoming a state-licensed respiratory 
therapist, he began working for the Modesto City Hospital.
  In keeping with his devotion to service, Kirk applied for a position 
with the Manteca City Fire Department in March of 1986. Being the son 
of a firefighter, Kirk was captivated by the idea of following in his 
father's footsteps. He began his work in June of the following year, 
and quickly proved himself to be an invaluable member of the 
Department. He was consequently promoted to the position of Firefighter 
Engineer in November of 1990. Due to his strong work ethic and desire 
to improve the community, Kirk was named Acting Captain in July of 
1995. He was subsequently made Fire Captain the following year. He 
continued this trend of advancement by being named Fire Division Chief 
in February of 2005 and Fire Chief in November of 2009.
  During his tenure as Chief, Kirk was responsible for speeding up 
response times in spite of a 40 percent increase in emergency calls. 
Furthermore, he orchestrated a plan to improve response efficiency at 
large structure fires through the strategic positioning of fire trucks. 
These are only two feats among the many innovative measures Chief 
Waters spearheaded during his tenure. He undoubtedly went above and 
beyond in his duty to improve public safety in the community.
  Fire Chief, however, is not the only capacity through which Mr. 
Waters sought to benefit his community. In fact, Kirk serves on the 
Board of Directors for the Manteca/Lathrop Boys and Girls Club, the 
Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Raymus HOPE Family Shelter. Along 
with all of these honorable commitments, Kirk makes time to coach youth 
basketball for the Manteca Parks and Recreation Department. It is clear 
that he has dedicated his life to service for others.
  Kirk and his wife, Shelly, have 6 children, are very involved with 
their church, and enjoy remaining healthy and active. Following his 
retirement, Kirk will return to his roots as a respiratory therapist 
and help sick newborns at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to fire services in the city of Manteca 
by Chief Kirk Waters, and wish him continued success in his retirement 
and future endeavors.

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