[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 142]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  SALUTE TO FIRE ENGINEER CHRIS ALTEN

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, January 6, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute Fire Engineer Chris 
Alten, the Montclair Fire Department Employee of the Year.
  Our brave firefighters do a hero's work, exposing themselves to 
danger, in acts of selfless heroism. As Fire Engineer, Chris ensures 
that the Montclair Fire Department is in top condition to meet these 
challenges, contribution to excellent quality and livability of fire 
stations.
  Chris joined the Montclair Fire Department as a Comprehensive 
Employment Training Act (C.E.T.A.) Firefighter in October 1976. Chris 
was hired as a regular Firefighter in October 1979. Chris' mechanical 
abilities and skills contributed to his quick promotion to Fire 
Engineer in July 1980.
  It is a combination of Chris' mechanical abilities, his ``can do'' 
attitude and his steady and extremely dependable contribution to his 
crew and to the Montclair Fire Department that led to his selection as 
the Montclair Fire Department Employee of the Year.
  During his employment, Chris has saved the City thousands of dollars 
in both time and material through a variety of construction projects 
that would have otherwise been done by outside vendors. Examples 
include: the replacement of all of the sinks and faucets in the fire 
stations, several remodeling projects that included framing, drywall 
and the installation of windows and doors in both stations and 
innumerable small projects.
  Chris is a multi-talented and valued employee of the Montclair Fire 
Department. We in the Congress salute him for his selfless efforts and 
achievements.




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