[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E794-E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING CLYDE ``ERNIE'' HIERS AND HIS 39 YEAR CAREER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2019

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Clyde ``Ernie'' 
Hiers on his 39 years of service to our communities as Fire Chief in 
Temple Terrace, Florida and the City of Kannapolis, located in North 
Carolina's Eighth Congressional District.
  Over the years, Ernie has made countless contributions to our 
community. He started his career in 1980 as a driver for Temple Terrace 
Fire Department at age 21 and retires today as Fire Chief and Emergency 
Management Coordinator at Kannapolis Fire Department.
  Ernie is known throughout the community for his big smile, endless 
supply of jokes, and passion for service. Through his leadership, 
Kannapolis Fire Department has experienced a time of unprecedented 
growth. Ernie saw the number of firefighters rise from 33 to 84 on any 
given shift, transitioned to an all paid staff, and implemented thermal 
imaging and sophisticated 911 systems. Exemplary of his prowess, 
Kannapolis Fire Department constructed two new replacement stations and 
improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings for the City.
  Ernie now plans to spend more time with his wife, Dora and their 
family, travel more, and to partake in his favorite hobby of serving as 
a Kansas City Barbeque Society Master Judge. I know I speak for 
everyone in the community when I say we are truly grateful for his 
unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. I

[[Page E795]]

would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him a long and 
happy retirement.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Clyde ``Ernie'' Hiers 
on his 39 years of service to our communities.

                          ____________________