[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 77 (Thursday, May 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E605-E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FIRE CHIEF KEVIN D. SUTTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2017

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life 
and legacy of

[[Page E606]]

Fairfield, AL, Fire Chief Kevin D. Sutton. Chief Sutton was a native of 
Birmingham, AL, who tragically passed in an auto accident on April 30, 
2017. His seasoned leadership, engaging personality, and heart for his 
community will certainly be missed.
   Chief Sutton attended Birmingham public schools and was a 1981 
graduate of Phillips High School. Upon graduation, he pursued higher 
education at Mississippi Valley State University on an academic and 
football scholarship. Chief Sutton would later receive a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Public Safety Administration from Athens State 
University.
   Chief Sutton served with the City of Fairfield, AL, for 23 years, 
the previous 13 years as Fire Chief. Prior to serving as Fire Chief, he 
served the city as a firefighter then as the city's Fire Marshal. Under 
his leadership, Fairfield Fire Department became an integral partner 
with the Fairfield community. Chief Sutton coordinated several programs 
in the city for seniors and children, including the annual ``Safety is 
Fun Day,'' which involves all city and private elementary schools in 
Fairfield. Chief Sutton also led the department's involvement in 
charitable works such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association's ``Boot 
Drive,'' which collects money for Jerry's Kids.
   Previously, Chief Sutton served on the Executive Committee of the 
State Fire Marshal's Association and was the past President of the 
Central Alabama Fire Chief's Association. He also served on the 
Executive Committee of the Alabama Fire Chief's Association, and was 
the immediate past president of the Board of Directors for Better 
Basics, a nonprofit that provides literacy intervention, enrichment 
programs, and educational opportunities for elementary and middle-
school students throughout Alabama. Chief Sutton was also a proud 
member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
   Chief Sutton is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and daughters, 
Tabathia Norman, Karmen Patterson, and Taylor Sutton.
   On a personal note, I will also remember Chief Sutton's warm smile, 
generous heart and servant leadership. Although he left us too soon, 
his family should find comfort in the exemplary life he led. Chief 
Sutton made a tremendous impact on our community that will have a 
lasting significance. Chief Sutton will live on in the hearts and minds 
of the many people he touched.
   On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, 
and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Fire 
Chief Kevin D. Sutton--an outstanding servant leader who faithfully 
served the Fairfield, AL community.

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