[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE 
                     DEPARTMENT 159TH RECRUIT CLASS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County 
Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 159th Recruit 
Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and 
Rescue Department, I encourage the 19 graduates to reflect on the 
history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the 
brave men and women who have served before them to protect our 
community.
  The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School 
consists of an extensive and demanding 24-week program. In addition to 
two weeks of orientation, recruits completed nine weeks of EMT training 
and eleven weeks of fire suppression training. Upon graduation, these 
recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the 
Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
  These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best 
Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the 
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across 
this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task 
Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to 
provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were 
recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the 
Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the 
aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015.
  Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for 
our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect 
lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the 
world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 
159th Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of 
our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am 
confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of 
Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to 
include in the Record the names of the 159th Recruit Class:
  Michael F. Bookwalter, Blair E. Cerino, Christopher Chong, Antonio 
JP. Cipolta, Christopher N. Cognetta, Collin J. Fisher, Kevin J. 
Flannery, Joshua M. Ford, Imani Y. Gillen, Joseph T. House, Benjamin R. 
Klingaman, Jacob M. McCabe, Erick Mejia, Erik K. Muhlenhaupt, Nicholas 
D. Sirinek, Lloyd E. Turner, Jr., Joseph S. Uriarte, Ryan E. Victor, 
Mitchell J. Wadas.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I 
thank them for their service to their community and to all members of 
the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

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