[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 121 (Thursday, July 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE OF FIRE CHIEF ROBERT B. ELWELL, JR. OF POMONA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2019

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Robert B. Elwell, Jr. of the City of Pomona, and his tireless 
dedication to serving the Inland Empire community.
  Robert Elwell graduated from the Crafton Hills College Paramedic 
Program and proceeded to work as a paramedic for a local ambulance 
company. He was then hired by the Ontario Fire Department in October 
1985, where he worked for over 34 years in a variety of assignments 
including Fire Captain and Battalion Chief. In this role, he also 
helped develop the department's active shooter response program and 
assisted several Southern California cities with creating similar 
programs.
  Former Chief Elwell graduated from several fire service state and 
federal programs and was both a state certified Fire Officer and Chief 
Officer. He also served on a number of fire service committees and 
advisory boards that focused on leadership, mentoring and, training. In 
April 2016, he was promoted to Fire Chief, a position he held until his 
retirement in December 2018.
  Chief Elwell was a dedicated husband, loyal friend, and patriotic 
public servant. He enjoyed RV'ing with his wife Anne, off-roading, 
recreational shooting, and spending time with his close friends. He 
will be fondly remembered by his loved ones, friends, colleagues, and 
extended fire family.
  For his remarkable accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Chief 
Robert B. Elwell, Jr. today. His decades of commitment and 
contributions to the city he loved are worthy of admiration, and his 
memory will live on through the countless lives he has impacted. May he 
rest in peace.

                          ____________________