[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21760]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL H. VINCENT AND BONNIE WORKMAN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO 
                                DELAWARE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 1999

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to honor and pay tribute to two outstanding dedicated and caring 
Delawareans--Mike Vincent, President of the Delaware Volunteer 
Firemen's Association (DVFA) and Bonnie Workman, President of the 
Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA. On behalf of the citizens of the First 
State, I would like to honor these two fine individuals for their 
tireless efforts at the DVFA and the Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA.
  Family, friends, volunteer firemen, and members of the Ladies 
Auxiliary of the DVFA can now take a moment to truly appreciate the 
hard work and dedication of these fine individuals during their many 
years of service. This type of dedication is rare among individuals, 
and I am happy to rise and commend them for it.
  Delaware fire companies are comprised of outstanding, caring and 
dedicated men and women who unselfishly, day-after-day, year-after-year 
give their time and talents to help prevent fires, to battle fires, and 
to provide emergency medical services for our citizens. In 1999, 
President Vincent served on the Governor's EMS Improvement Committee 
and helped pass legislation to facilitate better EMS services for all 
Delawareans. In addition, President Vincent worked tirelessly for funds 
to improve training for first response to tragedies caused by weapons 
of mass destruction. Due to the leadership and commitment of President 
Vincent and President Workman, Delaware Fire and Emergency services 
have continued to be a strong and vital part of our community today.
  I salute Mike and Bonnie for their truly exemplary record of public 
and community service and most importantly for their dedication to the 
cause of DVFA and the Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA. Bonnie's efforts to 
raise funds for the DVFA scholarships have helped countless students 
reach their academic goals. Finally, Mike's success in raising the 
volunteer fire fighter and ladies auxiliary tax credit to $300 will 
reduce state income tax burdens--the least that can be done for those 
who risk their lives to protect us. Mike and Bonnie's leadership, 
teamwork and commitment will find a permanent place in Delaware 
volunteer fire service history.
  Mr. Speaker, this week the gavel will fall opening the DVFA and the 
Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA 1999 Conference to celebrate the 
anniversaries of their leadership and service to towns and communities 
throughout Delaware. it is important that this dedicated organization 
continue to be able to recruit and to retain young men and women who 
are committed to public service. As Delaware's Representative in 
Congress, I am proud to have this opportunity to extend my 
congratulations and best wishes for a successful conference. The 
support for the DVFA and the Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA is strong and 
the tradition of service is solid. I hope they realize how deeply their 
efforts are appreciated.

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