[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING FIRE CHIEF JEFF WILLIS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JAY OBERNOLTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2025

  Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Jeff Willis on his retirement from the Big Bear City Fire Department 
after nearly four decades of dedicated service. Throughout his career, 
Jeff served as a firefighter, engineer, captain, division chief, 
assistant chief, fire marshal, and fire chief. Jeff is renowned in our 
community as a selfless and caring individual and is a true friend to 
all who have the privilege of knowing him.
  A resident of the Big Bear community for over 48 years, Jeff attended 
local schools prior to joining the Big Bear City Fire Department as a 
paid call firefighter at 18 years old. Jeff was promoted to paid call 
engineer within 2 years and advanced to the rank of fire captain just 2 
years later--a true testament to his unique skillset and exceptional 
abilities.
  In 2007, at just 43 years old, Jeff became the youngest fire chief in 
the history of the Big Bear City Fire Department. Jeff's additional 
accolades include serving as a board member for the Fire Districts 
Association of California and as both chair and vice chair of the Joint 
Legislative Task Force representing the California Fire Chiefs 
Association.
  Jeff's decorated career and service to Big Bear City would not have 
been possible without the support of his family. His wife, Yvette; his 
three sons, Brandon, Jordan, and Kadon; his two stepsons, Joshua and 
Brennan Eddy; his mother, Barbara; and his late father, Ken, were 
instrumental in supporting his work in keeping our community safe.
  Jeff had a profound impact on our community and the Big Bear City 
Fire Department. Heather and I deeply appreciate Jeff for his years of 
service, and we wish him and his family well as they enter this next 
stage of his already eventful and purposeful life. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in recognizing Jeff Willis and celebrating his retirement.

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