[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24129]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to honor and pay tribute to a leader in the volunteer fire services 
community, Louis A. Rickards, of Lewes, Delaware. A tireless advocate, 
Mr. Rickards was a dedicated leader within the fire community. 
Tragically, on February 3, 2002, Louis Rickards passed away. This 
Sunday, October 5, 2003, Mr. Rickards' admirable life will be honored 
as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland.
  Not surprisingly at the time of his death, Louis was on his way to a 
Delmarva Volunteer Fireman's Association Executive Meeting in Virginia, 
a lasting example of the dedication Louis gave to the firefighting 
community throughout his 39 years of service. His level of devotion to 
the community is exceptional among individuals, and his record of 
service is exemplary.
  Louis began his career with the Lewes Volunteer Fire Company at age 
sixteen as a volunteer firefighter, then rising in the ranks to serve 
as Fire Chief for seven years, and as the Company's President for 
thirteen terms until his death in 2002. His passion for the fire 
services extended beyond the walls of the fire house, and he shared 
this with others as the primary author of a book published on the 100th 
year anniversary of the Lewes Volunteer Fire Company. Louis further 
demonstrated his commitment to public safety as a member of the 
Delaware State police, retiring after 25 years of service.
  This Sunday, Louis Rickards' accomplishments, along with those of 104 
additional fallen firefighters will be memorialized at the National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial, and their names will be added to the roll 
of fallen heroes. His commitment to public service has earned him a 
place in our Nation's fire services' history, and he remains in our 
memories as an example for those who wish to dedicate their lives to 
the safety of others.

                          ____________________