[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 77 (Friday, May 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE 
                     DEPARTMENT 142ND RECRUIT CLASS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 11, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County 
Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 142nd Recruit 
Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and 
Rescue Department, I encourage the 33 graduates to reflect on the 
history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the 
brave men and women who have served before them to protect our 
community.
  The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School 
consists of an extensive and demanding 24-week program. In addition to 
two weeks of orientation, recruits completed seven weeks of EMT 
training and fifteen weeks of fire suppression training. Upon 
graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of 
Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
  These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best 
Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the 
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across 
this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task 
Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to 
provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were 
recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the 
Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the 
aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015. 
Recently, they have seen extensive work in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, 
and the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of disaster relief efforts in the 
aftermaths of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria. Fairfax County is fortunate 
to have such excellent ambassadors for our community, and I commend 
them for all that they have done. As the newest members of the Fire and 
Rescue Department, the 142nd Recruit Class graduates join the 
department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and 
public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will 
serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction.
  It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 142nd 
Recruit Class.
  Evan B. Bache, Trina Y. Beall, David C. Breslin, James M. Brittenham, 
David A. Brown, Julian N. Butler, Manuel J. Castellon, Jesus E. Castro, 
Stephen M. Ching, Andrew M. Cruikshank, Nathan J. Decker, Muhammad I. 
Dizicheh, Joshua J. Dyer, Justin L. Dyer, Rosanna S. Forsyth, Brandon 
V. Harris, Kenneth G. Howard.
  John J. Jones, Kyle R. Knox, Won K. Noh, Alexander M. Omar, Alan Pai, 
Christopher R. Payne, Mario J. Pineda, Andrew Rozewicz, Nicholas M. 
Schaff, Dreanna W. Salang, Nicholas J. Stricklen, Timothy J. Sweeney, 
Bryan P. Thomas, Tavia L. Turner, Patrick D. Von Bank, Donovan T. 
Withrow.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I 
thank them for their service to their community and to all members of 
the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.'

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