[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF CHIEF JAMES ``JEB'' BEALER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 25, 2020

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Chief 
James ``Jeb'' Bealer, who tragically passed away on March 22, 2020. A 
loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and a 50-year member of 
the Howlett Hill Fire Department, Chief Bealer will be dearly missed.
  After graduating from Marcellus Central Schools and SUNY Cobleskill, 
Chief Bealer went on to serve with the Howlett Hill Fire Department. 
Starting as an Assistant Secretary, he worked his way up the ranks and 
was eventually named Chief of the Department. An active member of the 
Howlett Hill Fire Department for 50 years, Chief Bealer was only the 
second person in the Department's history to reach this milestone. In 
addition to his work with the Howlett Hill Fire Department, he also 
gave his time to the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, Onondaga 
County Fireman's Association, New York State Association of Fire 
Chiefs, Firemen's Association of New York, and Western Section Line 
Officers Association. Outside of his career in firefighting, for 35 
years Chief Bealer worked for the Town of Onondaga Highway Department 
and most recently worked as a bus driver for West Genesee Central 
Schools.
  Personally, Chief Bealer was dedicated to his family and friends. He 
was married to his wife Denice for 48 years, and together, they have 
four children and ten grandchildren. A role model to his family, Chief 
Bealer inspired his granddaughter to join the Howlett Hill Fire 
Department. Before his passing, he was set to present her with an 
award, celebrating her successful completion of fire training.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in 
honoring the life and career of Chief James ``Jeb'' Bealer. A cherished 
member of our Central New York community, Chief Bealer will truly be 
missed. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his family in mind as we 
celebrate his life.

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