[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 211 (Friday, December 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF ALFRED `SMOKEY' DREHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 22, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Alfred `Smokey' Dreher of Vernon, Connecticut. Alfred was a true, 
devoted member of the Vernon community, always looking for ways to keep 
others safe. Aged 89, Mr. Dreher sadly but peacefully passed away on 
December 2nd.
  Born on August 14, 1934, to Gladys and Alfred O. Dreher, Sr. in 
Rockville, Connecticut, Alfred attended Rockville High School, 
graduating in 1953. Even before his completion of high school, Alfred 
joined the Rockville Fire Department in 1950 as a Junior Firefighter. 
Alfred served as a part of the Hockanum Host Company as a hose-man, 
ladder-man, and driver, eager to fill in wherever necessary.
  Upon his high school graduation, Alfred entered the workforce, 
joining the Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Hartford as an 
Apprentice Underwriter. It was here that Alfred met the love of his 
life and wife of 59 years, Diane.
  In 1955, Alfred heeded his nation's call to action and joined the 
Army as a Heavy Equipment Transport Driver at Fort Lee Virginia and 
Fort Dix New Jersey. It was during this service that Alfred and Diane 
got married and began their lives together. After an honorable 
discharge in 1962, Alfred and Diane relocated to Rockville, where they 
would remain the rest of their married life. Alfred rejoined Aetna in 
the Supply Department, as a Security Guard. Alfred retired from Aetna 
in 1992, after 40 years. As if 40 years of service isn't enough, Alfred 
never missed a day of work because of illness, always dedicated to his 
commitments.
  Throughout his career, Alfred remained unwavering in his work as a 
firefighter. When the Rockville and Vernon Fire Departments merged into 
the Town of Vernon Fire Department, Alfred became an EMT. He served 
with Rescue 411 as a driver and paramedic and attained the rank of 
second Lieutenant. After 55 years as a Firefighter and EMT, Alfred 
semi-retired. This retirement did not, however, stop Alfred's work with 
the Vernon Fire Department. Alfred joined the Town of Vernon Fire 
Police to make sure responding crews were sufficiently equipped with 
tools and to help with traffic control during accidents and fires. 
Alfred is the longest-serving firefighter in Vernon's history, 
concluding an astonishing 65 years with the Fire Department upon his 
retirement in 2015.
  Alfred's selfless devotion to creating a safe and welcoming community 
was without limits. He was involved in numerous local organizations 
such as American Legion Post 14 in Vernon to organize and advocate for 
fellow veterans. To help ensure others were equipped to successfully 
serve their communities, Alfred taught as a First Aid and CPR 
instructor for the American Red Cross. He spent his free time as a 
volunteer for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to seniors in the 
region. Alfred was also a devout member of St. John's Episcopal Church 
in Vernon for over half a century.
  Mr. Speaker, I am incredibly lucky to represent constituents as 
devoted to serving their communities as Alfred. As a resident of the 
town of Vernon for the last forty years, I had the honor and privilege 
to know Al and his son Jeffrey and can personally attest to his 
steadfast commitment to the fire department, and what a beloved and 
respected leader he was in town. He was completely down to earth and 
had a wry sense of humor. The loss of Alfred leaves a deep void in the 
Vernon community. Alfred's work giving back to those around him was 
extraordinary. Though we mourn this loss, we take solace in the 
knowledge that his legacy will live on in those he impacted. Alfred is 
survived by his sons John and Jeffrey, sisters Nancy, Irene, and Tina, 
half-brother John, grandson Joseph and countless nieces and nephews. I 
ask my colleagues to join me as we memorialize Alfred's faithful 
service to his community.

                          ____________________