[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            JOSEPH R. D'ARCO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 5, 2017

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
outstanding achievements of Joseph R. D'Arco, whose family and friends 
celebrated his 80th birthday on August 31, 2017.
  Joseph R. D'Arco was born on August 31, 1937, at Passaic General 
Hospital. As a child, he was raised in Clifton's Historic Botany 
Village and attended the Clifton Public Schools. In 1957, Joseph 
volunteered to join the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 1959.
  In 1961, Joseph joined the Clifton Fire Department. For the first 
half of Joseph's fire career, he graciously worked two jobs in order to 
provide for his four sons-Joseph, Michael, Steven, and David--to have 
the opportunity to attend private schools. During his 34-year journey 
with the Department, Joseph ascended through the ranks, and inspired 
many people, earning him the Clifton Jaycees' Fireman of the Year 
Award. During his tenure as Deputy Chief, Joseph served as the 
Department's Administrative Officer, his first assignment away from the 
streets of Clifton. Joseph represented Clifton with Passaic County's 
Mutual Aid and was additionally an instructor at the Passaic County 
Fire Academy. Joseph always kept the best interest of his men and the 
department in mind, which gained him the respect of his men and city 
officials.
  During his working term with the Clifton Fire Department, Joseph 
received his Bachelors of Fire Science from Jersey City State College. 
Furthermore, he taught as an Adjunct Professor of Fire Science at 
Passaic County Community College to give back to the educational forum.
  One of the greatest examples of Joseph's passion for ensuring the 
safety of our public servicemen is advocating for legislation that 
would allow E.M.T.s the use of portable defibrillation units. This 
piece of legislation passed, allowing the use of these units to become 
widespread throughout the state and now the country. The passing of 
this legislation has significantly helped save countless lives, which 
is ultimately Joseph's foremost concern.
  Joseph and his wife, Patricia, currently reside in St. Lucie, 
Florida. Even during his retirement, Joseph continues his service for 
his community, remaining an active life member of the New Jersey State 
Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association, as well as the Clifton 
Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association. Joseph is also notably a 
member of both the Board of Directors for Deborah Heart and Lung Center 
since 1995, and the Deborah Hospital Foundation Board of Directors 
since 2002. He has continued to be a conscientious advocate for 
healthcare, spreading the word of Deborah's cardiac testing for First 
Responders, an initiative of ``A Gift from Captain Buscio'' program.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating 
individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the people. 
Joseph's commitment to public service is truly commendable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues to celebrate the 80th 
birthday of Joseph R. D'Arco, in which we can appreciate his 
accomplishments.

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