[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE SERVICE OF CAPTAIN KEVIN MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2024

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent 
Captain Kevin Mitchell of the Kingsport Fire Department in Kingsport, 
Tennessee, who is retiring after more than 26 years of dedicated 
service to our community.
  Captain Mitchell began his Journey with the Kingsport Fire Department 
on September 2, 1997. Over the span of his illustrious career, he has 
not only served as a firefighter, but also advanced to become a 
paramedic serving in this capacity for over two decades. His dedication 
to continued education extended far beyond his immediate duties as a 
respected instructor in both fire service and medical fields, where he 
taught crucial lifesaving techniques such as CPR, Pediatric Advanced 
Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and more.
  Beginning his career as a firefighter, Captain Mitchell was soon 
promoted to the position of engineer, where he was responsible for 
driving and operating complex firefighting vehicles. He continued to 
rise through the ranks in recognition of his exceptional service, 
culminating in his promotion to Captain, a role he held until his 
retirement. His commitment to safety and excellence led him to join the 
Kingsport Fire Department Technical Rescue Team, where he specialized 
in Search & Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Confined Space, High & Low 
Angle Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, and Structural Collapse. His 
leadership and expertise in these areas earned him the role of 
Technical Rescue Team Leader.
  In addition to his remarkable service at the Kingsport Fire 
Department, Captain Mitchell also dedicated eight years as a member of 
the State of Tennessee Emergency Service Board in Nashville, where he 
played a pivotal role in regulating EMS activities across the state.
  His service to the community extended well beyond his professional 
obligations to include his participation with the Big Brother/Big 
Sister Program of East Tennessee, H.O.P.E. (Help Our Potential Evolve), 
the Kingsport Life Saving Crew, and the Kingsport Firefighters 
Association Local 2270. His advocacy efforts also saw him participate 
in state legislation, lobbying for the rights and welfare of 
firefighters across Tennessee, advocating on critical issues like PTSD 
and cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain Kevin 
Mitchell for his outstanding service to the Kingsport Fire Department 
and the citizens of Kingsport, Tennessee. His retirement marks the end 
of an era of exceptional service and leadership, and his legacy will 
continue to inspire current and future generations of public servants. 
We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________