[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 104 (Friday, June 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





CELEBRATING CHIEF TINA R. WATKINS OF THE PETERSBURG DEPARTMENT OF FIRE, 
                     RESCUE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2022

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to 
celebrate the hiring of Chief Tina R. Watkins, who is the first female, 
and first African-American fire chief of Petersburg Department of Fire, 
Rescue, and Emergency Services in its nearly 250-year history. Chief 
Watkins brings years of experience in fire administration and field 
operations and is primed to succeed in this role.
  Born in Richmond, Virginia, Chief Watkins grew up in a middle-class 
family where she was raised by hard working parents. Her mother was an 
educator, and father was a postal worker and Korean War veteran. They 
encouraged Chief Watkins and her three brothers to go out and 
experience their dreams. Inspired by her parents, Chief Watkins chose a 
path of service in her own life.
  Chief Watkins holds impressive educational credentials. She earned a 
Master's degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Emergency Management 
and Executive Fire Leadership, along with a Bachelor of Science degree 
in Public Safety and Business Administration. She holds many 
professional certifications through the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, the National Fire Academy, and the Virginia State Fire Program, 
including those in fire prevention, hazardous materials, national fire 
services staff and command, and emergency planning and effective 
communications. This education has served Chief Watkins throughout her 
career, and will surely continue to inform her work in Petersburg.
  Chief Watkins has proven her dedication to service and her community. 
After graduation she served our nation as a member of the United States 
Coast Guard. Following her Coast Guard service, Chief Watkins began her 
fire service career in 1988 when she was recruited and hired by the 
Richmond Fire and Emergency Services as a fire fighter. She was 
promoted through the ranks to become Richmond Fire and Emergency 
Services first female lieutenant, captain, and chief officer. She spent 
11 years as a Battalion Chief for Richmond Fire and Emergency Services 
where she supervised five stations and six fire companies. Chief 
Watkins has a demonstrated track record serving in leadership roles 
with Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, leaving a legacy of 
improving processes and policies, making the department more efficient.
  Now Chief Watkins has the distinction of not only becoming 
Petersburg's first African American Fire Chief, but also first woman to 
lead a fire department in the Commonwealth. I am confident that under 
her leadership the Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency 
Services will continue to provide exceptional service to our community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Chief 
Tina R. Watkins for her service to her Nation, the Commonwealth of 
Virginia, and her community.

                          ____________________