[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ARTHUR HAWKINS OF THE KENSINGTON, MARYLAND VOLUNTEER 
                            FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2016

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50-year career 
of an extraordinary leader in our community--Chief Arthur ``Artie'' 
Hawkins, Kensington, Maryland Volunteer Fire Department's most senior 
operational member. Chief Hawkins has been instrumental in developing 
the Kensington VFD into one of the most outstanding Departments in the 
region.
  A third-generation firefighter, Chief Hawkins began serving the 
Department at the age of 12 and has dedicated his life to service. 
Rising through the ranks, he has served as both Department Chief and as 
President. As a leader and a colleague, Chief Hawkins provided the 
start for hundreds of volunteers who have continued serving the public 
through the fire service, Armed Forces, and police and medical fields. 
Thanks to his outstanding guidance and mentorship for so many leaders, 
Chief Hawkins' imprint is on the work of people who are saving lives 
all over the globe each and every day.
  Chief Hawkins is more than a leader. He has played countless roles in 
the lives of the Department members, whether it be as a father, a 
brother or a friend. He has been there for them during the happiest 
moments of their lives as well as the saddest. Chief Hawkins truly 
embodies the meaning of ``brotherhood'' within the fire service.
  Chief Hawkins has also been a pillar of strength during critical 
times in our nation's history. He has played important roles in the 
Department's response to numerous emergencies, including the D.C. race 
riots of the 1960s, the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, and the sniper 
attacks that paralyzed the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in 2002.
  On November 20, 2016, Chief Hawkins will lead his final regular shift 
on a special day--the 50th anniversary of his very first shift with the 
Department. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the lifetime 
achievements of Chief Arthur Hawkins I ask my colleagues to join me in 
expressing gratitude and appreciation to him for his outstanding 
service to our nation.

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