[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14544]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       BATTALION CHIEF HAL CHASE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions and 
achievements of Battalion Chief Hal Chase on his retirement from the 
Santa Clara County Fire Department. Chief Chase has dedicated over 
thirty years to the community and fire department of Santa Clara 
County.
  Chief Chase lives in Los Gatos, California, with his lovely wife, 
Karen, and three beautiful children, Brian, Christine, and Michael. He 
met his wife while serving as the President of the International 
Association of Fire Fighters Local 1165, during which he worked 
diligently to increase benefits and improve working conditions for his 
fellow fire fighters. Currently, Chief Chase oversees Battalion 3 of 
the Santa Clara County Fire Department, consisting of seven stations 
and their heroic crews.
  Affectionately referred to as ``The Senator'' by his peers, Chief 
Chase has served as the Program Facilitator for the Hazardous Materials 
Program. He is a member of the California State FIRESCOPE Task Force. 
In addition, Hal manages the Department's Response Map Program, Hose 
Program, and Hydrant Testing Program.
  With these awesome responsibilities, it is a wonder how Chief Chase 
can reserve time for other commitments. But his contributions to his 
community are just as extensive. Chief Chase is committed to the high 
school anti-drinking campaign, ``Every 15 Minutes.'' Through his 
tireless efforts, much needed fire equipment was donated to Mexico, 
including coats, hats, and even fire engines. Hal is also a strong 
supporter of the Democratic Party.
  On occasion, Chief Chase has been known to forego his fire fighting 
skills to purposely starting them, in the kitchen. He has applied his 
passion for cooking for not only the pleasure of his crew, but also for 
charity. Along with the raised monies, raffled dinners at the firehouse 
have promoted stronger relations with the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Battalion Chief Hal Chase for his magnanimous 
dedication to the community and fire department of Santa Clara County. 
Although we celebrate his retirement, I know Chief Chase will continue 
serving Santa Clara, even if only out of the kitchen.

                          ____________________