[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE 
                     DEPARTMENT 151ST RECRUIT CLASS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2022

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax 
County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 151st 
Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County 
Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the six graduates to reflect on 
the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of 
the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our 
community.
  The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's 151st Recruit School 
consisted of a thorough eight-week scenario and refresher course for 
prior experienced and certified firefighters/EMT's.
  These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best 
Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the 
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across 
this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task 
Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to 
provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were 
recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the 
Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the 
aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015.
  They also saw extensive work in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the 
U.S. Virgin Islands as part of disaster relief and rescue efforts in 
the aftermaths of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
  Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for 
our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect 
lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the 
world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 
151st Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of 
our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am 
confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of 
Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to 
include in the Record the names of the 151st Recruit Class:
  Lucas Gray
  Ivanovich Lesefka
  Michael Loblanco
  Michael Such
  Hunter Talbot
  Benjamin Wilson
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I 
thank them for their service to their community and to all members of 
the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

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