[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E309-E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BURKE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer 
Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 75th Annual 
Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for 
filling an essential role in keeping our community safe.
  The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 
1948, and for more than seven decades it has provided lifesaving fire 
suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical and rescue services 
to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also 
provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical 
equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and 
development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong 
viable organization.
  As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue 
departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in 
cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve 
the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of 
the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty 
as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and to include 
their names in the Record:
  Board of Directors:
  President--Ian Dickinson
  Vice President--John Powers
  Secretary--Maria Suarez Ortiz
  Treasurer--Larry Bocknek
  Director--Kathleen Beer
  Director--James Stahlman
  Director--Kenneth Senn
  Officers:
  Chief--Keith O'Connor
  Deputy Chief--Tina Godfrey
  Deputy Chief--John Hudak
  Captain--Melissa Ashby
  Captain--Kevin Grottle
  Lieutenant--Caitlin Edwards
  Sergeant--Gavin Kuzemchak
  Sergeant--Noah Bilger
  In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the 
responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of 
Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting 
awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary 
service during the last year:
  Rookie of the Year--James Stahlman
  Officer of the Year--Gavin Kuzemchak
  EMS Officer of the Year--Noah Bilger
  Career Member of the Year--Charles Arntson
  Founders Award--Charlene Murphy
  Administrative Member of the Year--Matt Bryant
  Administrative Member of the Year--Tonya McCreary
  Chief's Award--Thomas Warnock
  President's Award--Larry Bocknek
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
department for 75 years of service and in thanking all of the

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brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the 
community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put 
themselves in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''

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