[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E301-E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING JEFF DeWITT'S RETIREMENT FROM THE FORT WORTH FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CRAIG A. GOLDMAN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2025

  Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jeffrey 
L. DeWitt on his retirement from the Fort Worth Fire Department after 
37 years of dedication and service to the City of Fort Worth. Founded 
152 years ago, the Fort Worth Fire Department is a nationally 
recognized agency with a rich history of serving and protecting the 
13th-largest city in the nation.
  Born and raised in Upstate New York, Mr. DeWitt moved to Texas as 
quickly as he could. He became one of the first paid firefighters with 
the Keller Fire Department in the early 1980s. He joined the Fort Worth 
Fire Department on May 6, 1988, as a full-time commissioned firefighter 
in Class 41. Over his career, he served in four stations, including the 
historic Downtown Station 1, where he was assigned on December 12, 
1997. The following year, he was promoted to Engineer at Station 1. 
During this time, he had the honor of driving ``The Big One,'' the 
largest engine at the Fort Worth Fire Department for 13 years--a fact 
his young daughters proudly shared, saying, ``Dad drives the big truck 
downtown.''
  In addition to his many years with the Fort Worth Fire Department, he 
has spent nearly two decades instructing classes at the Fire Academy at 
Tarrant County College. As an instructor for both new recruits and 
continuing certification courses for commissioned firefighters, his 
positive impact extends to other fire departments across the State of 
Texas.
  Now, as he retires from Station 35 in the critical Fort Worth 
Alliance Airport Corridor, Mr. DeWitt holds the distinction of being 
the department's senior-most engineer and a certified Aircraft Rescue 
and Fire Fighting (ARFF) firefighter.
  Mr. DeWitt truly exemplifies the mission of the Fort Worth Fire 
Department. Throughout

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his many years of service, he has worked tirelessly to protect others 
before himself. He will undoubtedly continue to embrace the spirit of a 
dedicated first responder and an engaged member of our Fort Worth 
community. I know he is looking forward to well-earned time with his 
family and first grandchild.
  On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, it is an honor 
to recognize Mr. Jeffrey L. DeWitt's service to the Fort Worth Fire 
Department and his impact on keeping our community safe for the past 37 
years. I wish him and his family the very best as they celebrate his 
retirement.

                          ____________________