[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1614-E1615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE 
                     DEPARTMENT 140TH RECRUIT CLASS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County 
Fire and Rescue Department on the graduation of the 140th Recruit 
Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and 
Rescue Department, I encourage the 47 graduates to reflect on the 
history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the 
brave men and women who have served before them to protect our 
community.
  The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School 
consists of an extensive and demanding 30-week program. In addition to 
two weeks of orientation, recruits completed eight weeks of EMT 
training and twenty weeks of fire suppression training. Upon 
graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of 
Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
  These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best 
Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the 
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across 
this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task 
Force I, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to 
provide search and rescue support. Recently, members of that Task Force 
were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with 
the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in 
the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal last 
year.
  As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 140th 
Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our 
community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident 
that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County 
with honor and distinction.
  It is my great honor to enter the names of the 140th Recruit Class 
into the Congressional Record:

       Roberto C. Acha Melgar, Adam A. Boyd, Jr., Quincy D. 
     Branch, Casey P. Braswell, Timothy G. Breslin, Jr., James M. 
     Brittenham, Rachael A. Callison, Jesus E. Castro, Michael J. 
     Coppersmith, James C.

[[Page E1615]]

     Cox, Erica L. Cruikshank, Joshua A. Eimers, Preston R. Elder 
     III, Caroline A. Evey, Daniel P. Fitzhenry, Joseph E. Gallo 
     III, Rodne W. Getgen, Garrett A. Green, Taylor, A. Grigg, 
     Bryan M. Haring, Brian C. Harris, Grant M. Higginbotham, 
     Robert E. Hunt, Matthew G. Ifert, Michael C. Johnson, Brian 
     A. Krause, Mark C. Langmead, Burke W. M. Latimer, Jacob T. 
     Maund, Justen A. Moreland, Ali S. Najjar, Jacqueline C. 
     Norris, Shonay L. Owens, Gracie J. Pak, Bo Lam P. Park, 
     Harold I. Parra Romero, Roberto Rodriguez, Jr., Jordan P. 
     Scheutzow, Ian M. Sebastian, Shaun M. Serich, Joseph M. 
     Shipman, Marcus E. Tines, Thomas M. Tippett, Zachary J. Webb, 
     Joel W. Whitney, Robert W. Wine III, Cristina-Michael M. 
     Wittlinger.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I 
thank them for their service to their community and to all members of 
the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

                          ____________________