[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MR. KEITH H. JOHNSON
______
HON. SUHAS SUBRAMANYAM
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Keith H. Johnson.
As Chief Keith Johnson prepares to retire this month, I rise to honor
his distinguished career and service to the Loudoun County Fire and
Rescue System.
Chief Johnson is a fourth-generation firefighter who began his fire
service in 1982. His career led him to the Fairfax County Fire and
Rescue Department, where he ascended to the rank of Deputy Chief in
2009. After more than 30 years of service in Fairfax County, Chief
Johnson was appointed as the Assistant Chief of Operations with Loudoun
County Fire and Rescue and, later, the Chief of the Loudoun County Fire
and Rescue System in 2018. He possesses both Fire Inspector and Fire
Investigator certifications with the Virginia Department of Fire
Programs.
During his tenure, he led a department of nearly 500 career and more
than 1,500 volunteer personnel, oversaw the implementation of a
collective bargaining ordinance, created a 24 hour Operational Shift
Commander program, and formed a behavioral health section. He also
advocated for benefits and protections to include increased behavioral
health benefits and cancer protections for first responders, as well as
for the inclusion of fire sprinkler systems in residential homes.
Chief Johnson was recently named the Career Fire Chief of the Year in
2024. He continues to serve as Chair of the Governor's appointed
Virginia Fire Services and on Virginia's Board of Housing and Community
Development.
Congratulations to Chief Johnson on an exceptional career. I thank
him for decades of service to our community, and I wish him well in his
retirement.
____________________