[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 159 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1010-E1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING CHIEF JEFF YERKEY ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ROCK ISLAND 
                            FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS-

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 2022

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Jeff 
Yerkey, who is retiring from the Rock Island Fire Department after 33 
years of service.
  Chief Yerkey first joined the Rock Island Fire Department in 1990, 
appointed as a firefighter paramedic. Exercising diligence and 
initiative throughout his tenure, Chief Yerkey

[[Page E1011]]

helped found the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program in 
1991, a core unit still in place today. His honorable stewardship to 
his community earned him a promotion to lieutenant in 2000. As he 
continued to set an example of excellence among his peers, he was 
elevated to Captain in 2006, then Battalion Chief in 2008. His 
innovative approach to protecting and serving his neighbors was 
unrelenting in every respect. Two years later, he was promoted to 
Assistant Fire Chief, where his experience was an asset to boosting 
public safety. On April 4, 2016, he ascended to Fire Chief, a role he 
carried out with rare courage, dedication and spirit. Always committed 
to bettering his city, he took on the additional role of Assistant City 
Manager in July 2021. Chief Yerkey's contributions to the City of Rock 
Island are deeply admirable. His impact on our region will be 
remembered for generations to come.
  It is because of heroic and determined leaders such as Chief Yerkey 
that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional 
District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally recognize 
Rock Island Fire Department Chief Jeff Yerkey on his retirement and 
thank him for his 33 years of service to our community.

                          ____________________