[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF JONATHAN PAUL WOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
extraordinary work of Jonathan Paul Wood, a man who devoted himself not 
only to his family but also to the well-being and safety of his 
community. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
  Jonathan was raised in Springfield, Virginia, and studied at the 
University of Virginia where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 
Marine Biology. He later received his Master of Business Administration 
from George Mason University. Over the years, Jonathan worked with 
multiple companies, each one recognizing his expertise and leadership. 
His final 20 years before retirement were spent as a construction and 
IT project manager at Northrop Grumman.
  Above all else, Jonathan took great pride in being a volunteer 
firefighter and EMT. He began his service at the young age of 18 and 
continued in various roles for over 50 years. He achieved the esteemed 
rank of Command Officer and played a crucial role in training the next 
generation of firefighters, instructing Fairfax Fire Academy students 
in the demanding task of driving emergency vehicles. Jonathan's 
expertise and dedication were instrumental in the design and 
commissioning of numerous fire engines, ambulances, and service 
vehicles.
  His volunteer career began at the Greater Springfield Station 22, 
where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Chief. In 1982, he 
relocated to Fair Oaks, where he continued to serve with distinction at 
Fair Oaks Station 21. There, Jonathan held several leadership roles, 
including Chief and President, earning the respect and admiration of 
his peers and community alike.
  Outside of his work and fire station duties, Jonathan loved domestic 
and wild animals, hiking, camping, kayaking, and distance cycling. He 
led groups of volunteers to maintain his community's wild spaces, 
controlling invasive plants, cutting down dead trees, and monitoring 
the wild fox population.
  Jonathan's commitment to his family was unwavering. He is survived by 
his wife, Charlotte Knapp, her children, Gabrielle and Nathaniel 
Baylon, his brother James Wood, and his nephew Christopher Wood. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and James Wood, and brother, 
David Wood.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 
joyful and resilient life of Jonathan Paul Wood and in sending his 
family our sincere condolences.

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