[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GENE FREESE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Gene Freese of Atlantic, Iowa for his 50 years of 
dedicated service to the Atlantic Fire Department. Atlantic Fire Chief 
Mark McNees noted that Gene is a very active member of the department, 
going to trainings, responding to the required percentage of fire 
calls, and keeping current his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 
certification.
  Gene Freese joined the Atlantic Fire Department because he ``likes 
being a part of things, being active, and doing things for the 
community.'' He has been instrumental in conducting fire prevention 
programs for school students, educating countless youth and 
simultaneously helping educate his fellow firefighters. Gene said he 
appreciates all of the recognition, but acknowledges ``it takes more 
than one person.'' He explained that firefighters do not seek out 
recognition for what they are, but instead, ``they're just doing their 
job.''
  Mr. Speaker, Gene Freese has made a difference by helping and serving 
others. It is with great honor that I recognize him today. I know that 
my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring 
his accomplishments. I thank him for his service to the Atlantic Fire 
Department and the City of Atlantic, Iowa and wish him continued 
success in the future.

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