[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MICKEY KAITANGIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
life of Mickey Kaitangian, who passed from this life on August 28, 2018 
at the age of 83. Mickey was a beloved fixture of the Fresno community, 
known for volunteering his time and serving others. From his service to 
our country to his 29 years as a firefighter, Mickey's generous spirit 
touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
  Born May 27, 1935 in Fresno, California, Mickey Kaitangian and his 
brother grew up in poverty-stricken Southeast Fresno. Young Mickey 
would wander to Fire Station 4 down the street from his home and 
befriend the firemen on their breaks, where he kindled his deep love 
for firefighting.
  Before beginning his firefighting career, Mickey enlisted in the 
United States Navy. He worked as a mechanic for the Douglas A-1 
Skyraider, serving on the USS Ranger (CV-61) aircraft carrier during 
the WestPac Far East Cruise.
  In 1964, at the age of 29, Mickey joined the Fresno Fire Department. 
For 29 years, Mickey served on the frontlines. His colleagues remember 
Mickey as, ``the first to go into the fire and the last to come out.'' 
Even after long hours of hard work, Mickey always made time for his 
wife Betty, and their sons Kelly and Raymond.
  Mickey lived life to the fullest. He volunteered for pit crews of 
famous race car drivers, including Mario Andretti and A. J. Foyt in 
1969. He also tried his hand at Semi-Pro baseball.
  After his retirement in 1994, Mickey continued to serve as an 
ambassador for the Fresno Fire Department by representing them at local 
charity events. He so generously gave his time to a number of local 
charities, including donating toys to patients at the local children's 
hospital and teaching school children about fire safety.
  Mickey's life of dedicated service for the community and country he 
loved so much should serve as an example to us all. He is survived by 
his beloved wife Betty, sons Kelly and Raymond, and six grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me on this day in a moment 
of silence in memory of the life and service of Mickey Kaitangian. The 
contributions that he gave throughout his life will continue to have a 
lasting impression on the fabric of our Valley. His presence in our 
community will be greatly missed. It is my honor to join his family and 
many friends in celebrating his life.

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