[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1626-E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE BURKE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer 
Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 68th Annual 
Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for 
filling an essential role in keeping our community safe.
  The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 
1948, and for more than 6 decades it has provided lifesaving fire 
suppression/prevention and emergency medical and rescue services to the 
residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, 
houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment; 
provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the 
membership; and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization.
  As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue 
departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in 
cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve 
the community. Last year alone, the Burke VFD provided more than 3,000 
hours of volunteer time as well as an additional 2,159 hours of 
supplemental staffing.
  I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Burke 
Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty as 
officers or as members of the board of directors.
  Board of Directors--President Patrick Owens, Vice President John 
Powers, Secretary Tonya McCreary, Treasurer Ian Dickinson, Larry 
Bockneck, Rich Guarrasi, Becky Dobbs.
  Officers--Chief Thomas Warnock, Deputy Chief Tina Godfrey, Deputy 
Chief John Hudak, Captain Melissa Ashby, Captain Keith O'Connor, 
Lieutenant Emily Fincher, Lieutenant Kevin Grottle, Sergeant Jennifer 
Babic, Sergeant Peter Hamilton, Sergeant Shaun Kurry, Sergeant James 
Reyes, Team Leader Paul Stracke, Team Leader/Chaplain Harry Chelpon.
  In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the 
responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of 
Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting 
awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary 
service during the last year:
  Rookie of the Year--Lindsay Fox and Blaine Reis
  Firefighter of the Year--Ian Dickinson
  EMS Provider of the Year--Caitlin Curran
  Officer of the Year--Shaun Kurry, James Reyes
  Administrative Member of the Year--Charlene Murphy
  Career Member of the Year--FireMedic Anthony Tran
  Team Award--BVFRD Bingo Team (Tina Godfrey, Matt Bryant, Charlene 
Murphy)
  Chief's Award--E414 Procurement Team (John Hudak, Larry Bockneck, 
Peter Hamilton, Mike Istvan, George Hahn, Sam Sandeen, Robin Clement)

[[Page E1627]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
department for 68 years of service and in thanking all of the brave 
volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community 
calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves 
in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''

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