[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT MARK METDKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2025

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Metdker 
of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. 
Mark has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.
  A native of Dallas, Mark graduated from Lewisville High School in 
1975 as a star football and track athlete. He began his career working 
for the McKinney Fire Department and in the oilfield industry. From 
1983 to 2007, Mark worked for the Addison Fire Department before being 
selected to serve as the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal for the 
Celina Fire Department in 2008. He served in a variety of roles, 
including firefighter, arson investigator, and fire prevention captain. 
As a result of his contributions to the city and exceptional public 
service abilities, Mark attained the positions of Fire Chief, Chief of 
Police, and Director of Public Safety, before retiring in November 
2023.
  In addition to his public service, Mark has participated in many 
community service initiatives throughout North Texas. He previously 
served as a member of Collin College's Fire Science Program steering 
committee and the North Texas Council of Governments 911 Communications 
Commission. Moreover, Mark is a member of the Texas Fire Chiefs 
Association, Texas Police Chiefs Association, Collin County Fire Chiefs 
Association, Denton County Fire Chiefs Association, and the National 
Fire Protection Agency. For his exceptional work, he has earned two 
Meritorious Service awards, the Career Achievement Medal, the City 
Builder award, and the Agency Best Practices award from the Celina 
Police Department and Fire Department. I would like to thank Mark for a 
lifetime of public service and dedication to our community.
  It is an honor to bestow Mark with the Patriot Award for his 
exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

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