[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E21-E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING KEVIN JACOVETTA

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BRITTANY PETTERSEN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2026

  Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize retired 
firefighter Kevin Jacovetta, who passed away on September 19, 2025 from 
cancer. Kevin, or ``KJ'', served Arvada Fire for over 33 years. He 
joined as a volunteer in 1988, was hired as a full-time firefighter in 
1999, and held the roles of firefighter/EMT, engineer, and acting 
officer throughout his career.

[[Page E22]]

  Kevin's death has been designated as a Line of Duty Death--Illness 
(LODD-I), connected to severe burns that he sustained in 2011 while 
rescuing a fellow firefighter during a devastating house fire. His 
bravery that day earned him the Medal of Valor. While he courageously 
recovered and returned to duty, complications from his injuries 
eventually led to his retirement in 2021 and a cancer diagnosis in 
2023.
  Kevin's passing is a solemn reminder of the risks our firefighters 
ensure to keep our friends, family, and neighbors safe. As a 
firefighter, husband, and father, Kevin's selflessness carried through 
every aspect of his life. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and 
service to our community will not be forgotten.
  On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I 
am honored to recognize firefighter Kevin Jacovetta's legacy and extend 
my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Arvada 
Fire Department.