[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1289-E1290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF CHIEF JACK THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the accomplished 
career of Chief Jack Thomas. Born and raised in Southern California, it 
was here where Chief Thomas began his career, first serving as an 
Explorer for the Orange City Fire Department. In 1988, he was hired as 
a Firefighter and then two years later assigned to the position of 
Firefighter-Paramedic. It was through his great leadership and zeal 
that Chief Thomas would go on to assume various leadership positions 
with the Orange City Fire Department: Fire Captain, Administrative 
Captain, and Battalion Chief to name a few.
  Chief Thomas demonstrated heroism by deploying out with his team, 
California Task Force 5, to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 
2005. He is a brave and fearless man and has directed the actions of 
other fire engine companies during numerous wildland fires throughout 
California. Chief Thomas has been a hero to his city and community. He 
has been rightfully awarded the County Board of Supervisors' Courage 
Under Fire Award, the Orange County Fire Authority's Special Operations 
Citation for deployment to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes, and the Orange 
Rotary Manager of the Year.
  Chief Thomas also serves as husband, father, and grandfather. He 
still resides in Southern California with his wife Lesa, their 
children, and grandchildren: I wish Chief Thomas all the best as he 
retires from a storied career with Orange City Fire Department. I thank 
Chief Thomas for his service.

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