[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 93 (Friday, May 27, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E559-E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN KIMBERLY SCHOPPA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 27, 2022

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Fire Captain Kimberly Schoppa of Fairfax County, who recently passed 
away after a battle with occupational cancer.
  Captain Schoppa joined Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in 2004. While 
serving her community, she quickly emerged as a leader among her peers. 
She was promoted to Captain of an engine at Station 27 in West 
Springfield and was a member of the Honor Guard at the time of her 
passing.
  In her career, Captain Schoppa took on the dangerous work of fire 
suppression. Her talents were widely recognized, but when talk turned 
to a future as a battalion chief, Captain Schoppa insisted that she 
wanted to be on the front line. She wanted to fight fires and save 
lives. Captain Schoppa's peers knew that she would be happiest in the 
front seat of the fire truck, working firsthand to keep her community 
safe.

[[Page E560]]

  Though the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department has extensive 
protocols and mitigation techniques to prevent injuries and smoke 
inhalation on the job, Captain Schoppa's repeated exposure over the 
course of her admirable career tragically developed into ovarian 
cancer, which the Department considers an occupational illness. Her 
death is recognized as being in the line of duty.
  Captain Schoppa's friends and colleagues have lauded her character 
and service during her career and since her passing. She has been 
called a ``valued friend,'' and an ``esteemed member of the 
department.'' I have no doubt that she will be missed as her service 
has touched so many lives. I know that Fairfax County is a better place 
now because we had a hero like Captain Kimberly Schoppa.
  She is survived by her wife, Master Technician (retired) Kim Klaren, 
her parents Jan and Karl Schoppa, her brothers Chris (and partner 
Paul), and Brett (wife Amy and children Riley (fiance Anya), Abigail, 
and Maura); Klaren's mother Shirley, brothers Bobby (wife Andrea and 
children Bo, Cody, and Tyler), Matt (wife Kay and children Kyle (fiance 
Elyse), Kacie, and Cole), and sister Kara (husband Mike). I have no 
doubt that many more will miss Captain Schoppa, as her work and her 
heroism touched countless more lives.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 
service and excellence that Captain Schoppa displayed throughout her 
career. Her heroism should remind us to take every chance to help 
others. May her leadership and passion inspire us all to serve our 
communities to the best of our ability.

                          ____________________