[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PAYING RESPECTS TO DAVID FINGER THE CHIEF OF LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY 
             AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2022

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Dave 
Finger of the National Volunteer Fire Council who passed away on June 
3rd following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
  Prior to joining the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) as its 
Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs in 2005, Dave served as the 
lead staffer on first responder issues for the Research and Technology 
Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. 
Dave worked closely with my staff and the staff of my three fellow co-
chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus sharing input on 
legislation pending before the House Science Committee that benefited 
our nation's fire and emergency services.
  As NVFC's Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Dave 
represented the interests of our nation's volunteer firefighters on 
Capitol Hill. His efforts played a critical role in the passage of 
federal legislation that not only advanced the health and safety of our 
nation's volunteer firefighters, but all firefighters and emergency 
services personnel.
  Dave was the embodiment of collaboration. While his primary focus was 
always on advocating for the volunteer fire service, he understood the 
importance of working together with the other national fire 
organizations to advance a common agenda. Tributes from his colleagues 
expressed appreciation for his passion, integrity, and character. 
Cerebral in nature, he possessed a depth of knowledge and insight on 
the issues he championed. There was never a time when he walked into a 
meeting with Members of Congress or their staff unprepared; he was the 
consummate professional.
  Dave was only forty-four when his life was cut short by cancer. He 
leaves behind his wife, Allison, and their two children: Vivienne, 7, 
and Sullivan, 2. He also leaves behind many friends and thousands of 
firefighters across the nation who owe him their deep gratitude for the 
work he performed on their behalf throughout his career.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of my fellow Co-Chairs of the Congressional 
Fire Service Caucus, I extend my sympathies to Dave's family and to his 
colleagues at the National Volunteer Fire Council and throughout the 
fire and emergency services community for the loss of their loved one 
and friend.

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