[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CLAY FIRE TERRITORY CHIEF TIMM SCHABBEL'S CAREER IN SERVANT 
                               LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUDY YAKYM III

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate 
Chief Timm Schabbel, who recently retired as Fire Chief of the Clay 
Fire Territory in South Bend, Indiana, after 35 impressive years with 
the department.
  During his nearly four decades in public safety, Timm has served in 
different roles within the fire department, including as a firefighter, 
Engineer, Lieutenant, Chief of Operations, and Fire Chief. Timm was 
promoted to Fire Chief in 1997, making him the longest tenured chief 
officer in the agency's 75-year history.
  Under Chief Schabbel's leadership, Clay Fire became the first 
internationally accredited fire department in Indiana. In addition, 
Clay Fire also expanded under Chief Schabbel's tenure, essentially 
tripling the area the department covers. These achievements were only 
possible thanks to Timm's vision and determination.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On February 23, 2024, page E175, in the first column, the 
following appeared: . . . fire department in Indiana. In addition, 
Clay Fire also expanded under Chief Schdbbel's tenure, essentially 
tripling the area the department covers. These achievements were 
only . . .
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: . . . fire 
department in Indiana. In addition, Clay Fire also expanded under 
Chief Schabbel's tenure, essentially tripling the area the 
department covers. These achievements were only . . .


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  The many awards and accolades he has received over the years--
including Firefighter of the Year from Clay Township, Fire Chief of the 
Year from the state of Indiana, the President's Award from the 
International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Sagamore of the 
Wabash award--are all a testament to Timm's commitment to excellence 
and an accomplished career spent in the service to others.
  The broader South Bend community and St. Joseph County are 
unquestionably better off and safer thanks to this good man who 
exemplifies what it means to be a leader and a true public servant.
  Timm's example and leadership are also reminders that first 
responders are on the frontlines of some of the most difficult 
situations our communities face. When there is a problem, first 
responders like Timm answer the call and willingly put themselves in 
harm's way to keep us safe, and for that all of us are extremely 
grateful.
  I am proud to join so many Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second 
District in expressing our appreciation to Chief Schabbel for his 
service and in wishing him and his family all the best going forward 
during Timm's very well-deserved retirement. I thank Timm.

                          ____________________