[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 54 (Friday, March 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE CAREER OF THOMAS CLAPSADLE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 29, 2024

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas ``Tommy'' 
Clapsadle, Jr. of Waterford, Connecticut who is retiring this month as 
Chief of the Naval Submarine Base Fire Department after 35 years of 
service. Thomas's outstanding leadership has helped the US Naval 
Submarine Base maintain its high standard of safety for decades. His 
commitment to take care of those around him and make his community a 
better place will be sincerely missed.
  Growing up next to the Goshen Fire Department in Waterford, Thomas 
was destined to have a long career as a firefighter. Thomas became the 
first 15-year-old junior member in the department, drawn to a career 
helping others. After getting his firefighting and Emergency Medical 
Technician certification in 1989, Thomas was hired by the Naval 
Submarine Base Fire Department where he has been ever since.
  Thomas has remained a devoted protector of the submarine base, 
serving 35 years in many different roles. When he started, Thomas was 
immediately recognized for his attention to detail and caring 
disposition and he was promoted several times. Thomas became a driver 
at 23 years old and was soon promoted to captain only a few years later 
in 1995.
  Thomas's impressive work ethic and leadership qualities set him up 
for success as captain. In this role, he was responsible for presenting 
a collaborative firefighter safety standard to the Groton Fire Officers 
Association. Here, Thomas helped build a specialized Firefighter Assist 
and Search Team (FAST) to facilitate a response in case a firefighter 
becomes trapped or disoriented in the line of duty. In 2008, at 38 
years old, Thomas was promoted again to District Fire Chief, the role 
he retires from this month after 16 years. It was not just Thomas's 
extensive experience that prompted these promotions, but also his 
incredible leadership and genuine concern for the safety, well-being, 
and quality of life of firefighters, sailors, and families.
  Thomas has always been willing to share his extensive knowledge of 
fire safety, particularly in the highly specialized mission in the 
submarine domain, with other firefighters in Connecticut, building 
professional community partnerships wherever possible.
  In 2012, his unique skills were put to the test when the Naval 
Submarine Base Fire Department helped respond to combat the devastating 
USS Miami fire in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. 
Thomas immediately jumped into action and had to use his quick thinking 
for a plan to keep the submarine base protected while 12 of their own 
went to assist with the fire in Maine. The Naval base firefighters 
drove through the night to Portsmouth and successfully suppressed the 
raging fire that destroyed the USS Miami, a Los Angeles Class Attack 
Submarine. Afterwards, Thomas made a point to work with local fire 
departments to train them to respond to a submarine fire in the case of 
an incident like the one in Maine.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Congressman for southeastern Connecticut, a 
region that has rightfully earned the title ``Submarine Capital of the 
World,'' I had the opportunity to work with him on issues dealing with 
the number of billets allowed by the Navy to staff the base firehouse. 
He was extremely knowledgeable, organized, and persistent in his 
efforts to get more positions approved by the Navy, which has made 
progress, but still requires steadfast advocacy for the wellbeing of 
his team. It was an honor to support his work that was always focused 
on the team he led.
  In his free time, Thomas can be found on the water. Raised on the 
Long Island Sound in Waterford, he grew up fishing with his parents and 
found a love for captaining his own fishing ship. Thomas commissioned 
the M&M, a boat named for his sons Michael and Mitchell, to run a small 
business helping others enjoy a pastime he loves.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent leaders in the community 
like Mr. Clapsadle. Thomas's dedication to the Naval Submarine Base 
Fire Department has been guided by his goal to leave the fire 
department and its members in better shape than he found them. Thomas's 
departure will certainly leave large shoes to fill as he transitions 
into retirement with his wife Bobbette to spend more time with his sons 
Michael and Mitchell, stepchildren Danielle and Dominic, and two 
grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join 
me in congratulating Thomas Clapsadle, Jr. on a well-earned retirement.

                          ____________________