[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING FIRE CAPTAIN BRET BUTLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 21, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire 
Captain Bret Butler, a dedicated and courageous member of the Lake 
Pillsbury Fire Protection District. I have named Captain Butler as the 
California 4th District's Public Safety Hero of the Year for Lake 
County in recognition of his extraordinary selflessness, leadership, 
and unwavering commitment to protecting his community.
  Captain Butler was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and raised in 
Walnut Creek, California. He graduated from Northgate High School 
before pursuing studies at the Controlled Data Institute in San 
Francisco. After spending much of his professional life in Concord, he 
retired to his cabin--now his permanent home--in the Rice Fork 
community of Lake Pillsbury.
  Captain Butler has been a steadfast leader in the Lake Pillsbury Fire 
Protection District, where he has risen through the ranks from 
Firefighter to Fire Captain. In addition to his operational leadership, 
he serves as the Federal Excess Equipment Program coordinator with 
CalFire. He also demonstrated remarkable bravery during the 2018 
Mendocino Complex Fire, aiding in firefighting efforts and the 
evacuation of a Hotshot crew. Within the community, he is widely 
regarded as the unofficial ``Mayor'' and ``Real Estate Agent'' of our 
Rice Fork community due to his deep-rooted involvement and dedication 
to the well-being of its residents. Captain Butler is happily married 
to his wife, Debra Butler.
  Beyond his firefighting duties, Captain Butler has made countless 
contributions to the Lake Pillsbury community. He played a crucial role 
in procuring and installing mile marker signs along the 36-mile stretch 
of road in the Lake Pillsbury Basin, greatly improving emergency 
response times. He has also been a key advocate for evacuation route 
improvements, drone mapping projects, and defensible space initiatives, 
particularly for seniors and veterans. Additionally, he facilitated the 
donation of an ambulance and fire engine to the district and personally 
installed a solar system for Fire Station 2.
  Mr. Speaker, Fire Captain Bret Butler's courage, leadership, and 
dedication to service have had a profound impact on his community. His 
selfless actions during the Mendocino Complex Fire and his ongoing 
contributions to public safety exemplify the very best of our first 
responders. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we 
recognize him today.

                          ____________________