[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 107 (Thursday, June 22, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CHIEF STEVE WESTERMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2017

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 
outstanding achievements of Chief Steve Westermann. Chief Westermann is 
one of the most respected fire district chiefs and is retiring from the 
Central Jackson County Fire Protection District. I join with his 
family, fellow firefighters, and the citizens of the central Jackson 
County in congratulating Chief Westermann on his many years of success, 
contributions to the community and retirement.
   Chief Westermann started his career as a volunteer in 1972 while in 
high school. In 1977, he was hired as a Fire Inspector with CJC, 
creating the Fire Prevention Bureau and beginning the first in-school 
education programs. In 1979, he was promoted to assistant chief, and in 
1981 left to take a position as the Assistant Chief / Fire Marshall in 
Chesterfield MO. In 1985 he returned to CJCFPD as a fire apparatus 
engineer and was soon promoted to deputy chief. In 1988, Chief 
Westermann was appointed Chief Fire Executive (CFE), the fourth in 
CJCFPD's history. Along the way, Chief Westermann has also been elected 
or appointed to serve in leadership and executive positions on 
countless local, state, and national organizations and committees, 
dedicated to making the communities we serve, and the fire service as a 
whole, stronger and safer.
   While serving as CFE, Chief Westermann moved CJCFPD forward in all 
areas and created an organization that is recognized and respected 
across the country. CJCFPD grew from 18 to 133 career staff, assumed 
complete responsibility for emergency medical services, achieved an 
Insurance Services Office rating of 2, significantly expanded fire and 
EMS training, added Station 5 and a state of the art training facility.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the rest of the community, 
family and firefighters in applauding Chief Steve Westermann's 
outstanding achievements and contributions to the community, and the 
State of Missouri. We wish Chief Westermann and his family the very 
best in years to come.

                          ____________________