[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF FIRE CHIEF EDWARD SWITALSKI, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2017

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to 
commemorate the life of a brave hero, Fire Chief Edward Switalski, Jr., 
who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Chief Switalski died 
while serving others, just as he had selflessly done for over 35 years.
   I want to begin by extending my heartfelt condolences to Chief 
Switalski's family, his wife Holly, two daughters Alison and Emily, his 
brother and sister and many nieces and nephews, and fellow members of 
the fire communities in which the Chief served. May you find comfort in 
the fond memories you share together.
   Chief Switalski served the Pleasantview Fire Protection District in 
my district for over 34 years. Soon after he became a firefighter, he 
was quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, then rose to be a 
Captain, and in 2013 he retired as the Battalion Chief. After retiring 
from the Pleasantview Fire Protection District, Chief Switalski joined 
the Comstock Township Fire Department in Michigan where he served from 
2013 until he died at the scene of an accident on June 14, 2017.
   While serving the communities of the southwest suburbs of Chicago, 
Chief Switalski was awarded with the Medal of Valor for saving a fallen 
firefighter, and named the Pleasantview Firefighter of the Year. Chief 
Switalski was a dedicated and spiritual man. He knew at a very young 
age that he wanted to be a firefighter, just like his grandfather. He 
also served his community as a volunteer with numerous organizations 
and was chairman of his congregation at Peace Lutheran in Illinois 
before becoming an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in 
Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following Hurricane Katrina, Chief Switalski was 
honored for his efforts in New Orleans in assisting those who lost 
everything. This experience awakened a renewed sense of giving back and 
the chief's love of mission work. It was through mission work where the 
chief embraced a strengthened bond with his daughters Alison and Emily.
   Chief Switalski's death is a great loss for his family and for the 
communities he served. He was a generous and selfless man, who cared 
deeply for his wife, daughters, and all his loved ones, including the 
people he served. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing and boating and 
being with his family and friends. And like many of us, Chief Switalski 
was a huge Chicago Cubs fan and loved watching them finally win the 
World Series last November.
   I ask my colleagues today in the House of Representatives to honor 
the life of Chief Edward Switalski, Jr. He gave so much to others and 
will be greatly missed.

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