[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1244-E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF FIREFIGHTER STEPHEN ALMEIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

  Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
retirement of Mr. Stephen Almeida, a 41-year veteran of the Fairhaven 
Fire Department.
  Stephen began his career in 1978 as a call-firefighter and was later 
appointed as a full-time firefighter for the town of Fairhaven, where 
he would serve for the next 32 years as a full-time firefighter. Once a 
full-time firefighter, Stephen rose quickly in his career. He was 
elected to the Fire Union's Executive Board, and in a few short years 
would assume the role of Union President of the Fairhaven Firefighters 
Association, a position he would hold for the next twenty years.
  During Stephen's tenure, the town transferred the ambulance service 
from within the Police Department over to the Fire Department. As Union 
President, Stephen worked closely with the town and Fire Chief to 
ensure this undertaking went smoothly. Embracing a proactive approach 
to fire safety, Stephen was also heavily involved in Fairhaven's fire 
prevention program. Going above and beyond his duties to permit and 
inspect, Stephen also volunteered as the town's Santa Claus, arriving 
not in a red sleigh but rather a red fire truck.
  Stephen attributes much of his passion and success to his mentor, Lt. 
Earl Faunce, who instilled in Stephen the values and traditions of the 
Fire Department.
  Stephen has been married to his wife Cheryl for 37 years. They have 3 
children and 4 grandchildren, and I wish them many years of happiness 
and more time spent with their family.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Stephen Almeida and his commitment 
to ensuring the safety of his community. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in recognizing his hard work and dedication as he celebrates his 
retirement.

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