[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING CHIEF RONALD JON SIARNICKI ON HIS RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE 
        DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 2024

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tremendous 
firefighter, invaluable leader, great Marylander, and dear friend: 
Chief Ronald Jon Siarnicki. After 22 years of faithful service as the 
Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Ron 
recently retired. We ought to pay tribute to Ron and his commitment to 
serving his community and his country.
  I've known Ron and worked with him ever since we met decades ago over 
lunch at a drug store counter below my law office. Even then, it was 
clear that Ron was a man of strong character, good humor, and selfless 
devotion to serving others. Indeed, service was a family tradition. 
Both Ron's father and grandfather were volunteer firefighters. Ron 
followed in their footsteps, becoming a volunteer firefighter with the 
Monessen Volunteer Fire Department, Hose House No. 2, in western 
Pennsylvania as a young man.
  In 1978, Ron brought his talents to the Prince George's County Fire/
EMS Department. Over the following 24 years, he rose through the ranks 
to become Chief of the Department, overseeing all fire, rescue, and 
emergency medical services in the county. In that time, he also became 
a revered leader in our community. Prince Georgians knew they could 
rely on Ron to protect the safety and prosperity of their community. 
Firefighters and first responders trusted that Ron would always do 
everything possible to provide them the resources, tools, and direction 
necessary to do their crucial work as safely and effectively as 
possible. Ron also served on the county's Joint Fire and Police Pension 
Board for four years. Additionally, starting in 1997, Ron served as a 
faculty member for the Fire Service Curriculum at the University of 
Maryland University College (UMUC)--where he had previously earned both 
a BS in Fire Science Management and a master's degree from the School 
of Management and Technology.
  Ron's leadership and career in fire services extended beyond 
Maryland. In 2001, he became the Executive Director of the National 
Fallen Firefighters Foundation. For 22 years, he managed the 
foundation's day-to-day operations, supported the families of our 
fallen firefighters, and fought for policy reforms to keep our 
firefighters and first responders safe. As a co-chair of the 
Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I was pleased to work closely with 
him on that mission. As Executive Director, Ron also oversaw the 
construction of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park and the 
renovation of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland. Year after year, I've had the great--and solemn--privilege of 
standing with Ron in Emmitsburg during the annual National Firefighters 
Memorial Weekend to honor the courageous men and women who gave their 
lives to protect others.
  Ron has received many awards and accolades from a variety of 
organizations for his contributions to the fire services, including the 
Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award, Alan Brunacini Fire 
Services Executive Safety Award from the International Association of 
Fire Chiefs, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Presidents Award of Distinction, 
UMUC Distinguished Alumnus, American Burn Association's Moncrief Award, 
and the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Silver Medal of Valor. Ron is a 
man of great humility, however. He did not become a firefighter out of 
a desire for recognition or reward. He became a firefighter because he 
wanted to help others. He became a firefighter because that's who he 
is.
  Ron may be bringing his career as Executive Director to a close, but 
his contributions will forever endure. Men and women throughout the 
fire services will continue to look at Ron as a leader and to rely on 
his wisdom and expertise for many years to come. Knowing Ron, he'll be 
happy to help however he can. He exemplifies a firefighter's best 
traits: selflessness, courage, dedication, and intelligence. For that, 
he has the gratitude of his community, country, and Congress. I ask all 
my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his continued service. We 
wish him and his family well as they start this next chapter.

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