[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 26 (Monday, February 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CAPTAIN ROGER HARLESS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 11, 2019

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember 
the life of Captain Roger Harless and honor his commitment to public 
service and our community.
  Mr. Harless was born in Berkeley, California and grew up in the 
nearby towns of Lafayette and Moraga with his brother, Paul. In May of 
1990, he joined the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. He 
was in the first Fire District class of paramedics and kept his 
certification throughout his entire career. In April 2003, he became 
the captain of the district's paramedics team, where he worked 
diligently to serve and protect the people of Contra Costa County. In 
2018, Captain Harless was a member of the first group to complete 
Hazardous Materials training. Mr. Harless passed away on January 11, 
2019 from an illness acquired in the line of duty. He spent 29 years at 
the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, rising to the rank of 
Captain at Station 11.
  Mr. Harless was dedicated to public service and our community. He 
cherished the time he spent mentoring new recruits and his fellow 
firefighters. Mr. Harless also mentored children in our community as a 
youth basketball and soccer coach. One of his joys was watching talent 
develop, whether at the fire station, on the court or on the field.
  Mr. Harless leaves behind a loving and devoted family. He was married 
to his wife, Karen, for nearly 35 years. He was the father of Jessica, 
Martin and Kelsie and the grandfather to Sophia, Claire, and Mattisyn. 
He was adored by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, 
friends and many others throughout our community.
  Madam Speaker, we thank Mr. Harless for his dedication to public 
service. For this reason, it is fitting and proper that we honor and 
remember him here today.

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