[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF CHIEF CHRISTOPHER BURNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 2023

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career 
and retirement of Christopher Burnett, Chief of the Mount Laurel Fire 
Department who selflessly served his community for over thirty years.
  A lifelong Burlington County resident, Chief Burnett first started 
with the Mount Laurel Fire Department in 1992 when he joined as a 
volunteer firefighter in high school and later became an Emergency 
Medical Technician. In 1997, Chief Burnett began his tenure as a career 
firefighter. During this time he climbed through the ranks, always 
focused on protecting his community and neighbors. After 10 years as 
Deputy Chief, Chief Burnett was appointed as Chief of Department in 
2021 and Chief of Emergency Medical Services in 2022.
  During his tenure at the Mount Laurel Fire Department, Chief Burnett 
received several notable recognitions from various universities and 
from the State of New Jersey. These include the Certified Public 
Management designation from Rutgers University and the Class 6 Merit 
Award Citation for his bravery during an apartment fire in 1992 in 
which he rescued a trapped elderly female. Chief Burnett's dedication 
to his community knew no bounds, as throughout his tenure he served in 
various roles on the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association, Eastern 
Division of the international Association of Fire Chiefs, and the New 
Jersey Fire and EMS Institute.
  In addition to his tireless commitment to the Fire Department, Chief 
Burnett is a friendly face in our community who dedicates his time to 
the betterment of his neighbors. He is the creator of the Marine Corps 
Toys for Tots program in Mount Laurel, in addition to the `Get Fired Up 
for Literacy' program in the Mount Laurel School District and Library. 
Through these programs, Chief Burnett connected and uplifted his 
community, dedicating every aspect of his life to public service.
  A father, husband, and neighbor, Chief Christopher Burnett believes 
in servant leadership and organization above oneself. His work ethic 
and dedication to the Fire Department will leave a lasting legacy of 
service and leadership for decades to come. Outside of his family, he 
believes his service to the Fire Department and community is his 
greatest achievement.
  Chief Burnett embodies the spirit of service that makes me proud to 
represent people like him in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. 
We are lucky to have him as a member of our community.

                          ____________________