[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 127 (Thursday, July 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING CERES FIRE CHIEF BRYAN NICHOLES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2017

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Ceres 
Fire Chief Bryan Nicholes, who just announced his retirement after 45 
years in the fire service industry; 32 of which was spent with the 
Ceres Fire Department.
  In 1972, Bryan began his lifelong career as an explorer scout with 
the Burbank-Paradise fire district. In 1984, he moved to Ceres, 
California to take on the only paid firefighter position within the 
department during this time. Chief Nicholes then returned to Burbank-
Paradise as Fire Chief in 1987. After two years, he came back to Ceres 
as Fire Marshall.
  Chief Nicholes has combined his professional experience with years of 
higher education in the fire industry. He obtained his Associates of 
Science degree in Electronics Technology and Fire Science from Modesto 
Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from 
Saint Mary's College, as well as many other State and Federal 
certifications.
  Community has always been a priority for Bryan and his wife, Becki. 
He has been involved in the Ceres Rotary Club, Ceres Lions Club, and 
was instrumental in coordinating the ``Love Ceres'' event for six 
years.
  Additionally, he and his family have chosen a life of faith serving 
God and attending New Life Christian Church. In 2011, Bryan was 
ordained as a minister and has traveled on multiple mission trips to 
spread the word of God. They also volunteer to host a small group of 
married couples and Bryan leads a Men's Fellowship Group. They have one 
son, Colby, and Bryan is looking forward to spending more time with his 
family after retirement.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending the 
outstanding contributions made to fire service in the City of Ceres by 
Chief Bryan Nicholes and hereby wish him continued success in his 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________