[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23249-23250]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF CHARLES W. PERKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 19, 2005

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Firefighter Charles W. 
``Chuck'' Perkins for his twenty-three years of dedicated service to 
the North County Fire Protection District and his commitment to serving 
his community.
  Chuck Perkins and his fellow firefighters from the North County Fire 
Protection District have served the Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow 
areas with honor since the district was chartered in 1925. Classified 
an ``all-risk'' fire, rescue and hazard mitigation agency, it serves 
over 150 square miles in the northern-most portion of San Diego County.
  Chuck Perkins' service to his community began in 1982, as a Reserve 
Firefighter. On July 20, 1987, he was hired as a full-time Fire/EMS 
Dispatcher. His hard work and dedication were recognized on April 5, 
1988, when he was hired as a full-time Firefighter. His contributions 
to the agency led to his promotion to the rank of Engineer on March 15, 
1999.
  Engineer Perkins was actively involved in fire, rescue, emergency 
services and fire prevention programs. He managed the Engine Company's 
Fire Inspection Program for over ten years. The Fire Inspection 
Program, along with Engineer Perkins' skilled management resulted in a 
significant reduction in fire loss to the business community of the 
greater Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow areas.
  Engineer Perkins is regarded as a humble and generous man by his 
fellow San Diegans. His involvement in the community is not limited to 
his work as an Engineer in the North County Fire Protection District. 
For the last fifteen years, Engineer Perkins has volunteered his time 
as a leader in the district's public education efforts. He demonstrated 
his passion for fire prevention and safety education by portraying 
``Smokey the Bear,'' performing for

[[Page 23250]]

thousands of school children during his career, promoting Smokey's fire 
prevention message, ``Only you can prevent forest fires.'' Engineer 
Perkins continues to share his time as a ``Partner in Prevention,'' by 
traveling to local schools, teaching kids to ``Stop, Drop and Roll'' as 
well as the ``Exit Drill in the Home'' (EDITH) exercise. In addition to 
his portrayal of Smokey the Bear, he also warns school children about 
the dangers of fire and smoke as ``Evil Mr. Smoke.''
  Engineer Chuck Perkins will retire from the North County Fire 
Protection District on October 28, 2005, after more than 23 years of 
esteemed service, though he will continue to remain a leader in fire 
safety education. Chuck Perkins is due our respect and gratitude for 
his tireless service and genuine commitment to his community now, and 
in the future.

                          ____________________