[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HONORING FIRE CHIEF KRISTIAN CONCEPCION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 15, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire 
Chief Kristian Concepcion, as he retires after 35 years of dedicated 
commitment to the fire service, including 10 years leading our 
Vacaville Fire Department.
  Chief Concepcion was born in Cavite, Philippines, and moved with his 
family to Southern California at a young age. He received his Bachelor 
of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles 
in1986 and earned his Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine 
University in 1989. He graduated from the Executive Fire Officer 
Program at the National Fire Academy in 2016. Chief Concepcion and his 
wife, Peggy, have been married for 38 years and have called Vacaville 
home for the past 10 years. They are the proud parents of four adult 
daughters and two sons-in-law.
  Chief Concepcion's commitment to public safety is clear from his 
distinguished career. He began his service in 1991 as a firefighter 
with the Orange County Fire Authority. Over the next 25 years, he rose 
through the ranks, serving as a paramedic, hazardous materials 
specialist, public affairs chief, administrative officer, and Division 
Chief. In 2016, he became Fire Chief of the Vacaville Fire Department, 
where he has led the department with vision and compassion for the past 
decade.
  Chief Concepcion has rightfully been recognized for his leadership 
and innovation. Under his direction, the Vacaville Fire Department 
experienced remarkable growth and progress. Daily staffing increased 
from 19 to 29 firefighters, two new fire stations were opened, and the 
number of staffed ambulances expanded from three to five. He launched 
the city's Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness Program, strengthened 
fire prevention and code enforcement staffing to keep pace with 
community growth, and served as Interim City Public Information Officer 
for nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also helped 
establish the Firefighter Apprentice Program, creating pathways for 
aspiring firefighters and ensuring a well-trained workforce for years 
to come.
  Chief Concepcion's dedication extends beyond the fire department to 
community service. He served as Treasurer of the Solano County Fire 
Chiefs Association from 2015 to 2021 and as President from 2021 to 
2023. He also served as President of the Vacaville Christmas Fund, a 
nonprofit organization that supports local victims of severe fire 
incidents and families in need during the holidays. He actively serves 
on the California State Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Advisory Council 
and was an Honorary Commander for the 60th Operations Group at Travis 
Air Force Base. He was also a longtime member of the Orange County Fire 
Authority Pipes and Drums and has spent many years as a high school and 
college football referee.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Chief Kristian Concepcion for his dedicated 
service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we 
honor him here today as he retires after 35 years of service.

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