[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20252]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF CHARLES GAINES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Charles Gaines, 
the 49-year-old Fire Chief for the city of Fort Worth.
  I was blessed with meeting the Fire Chief several times during his 4-
year tenure as Chief of the Fort Worth Fire Department. The commitment 
and dedication he showed to his profession was evident from the moment 
we met. Under his leadership, Chief Gaines was accountable for 
oversight of the 745 Fire fighters that compose the Fort Worth Fire 
Department. As Fire Chief he also oversaw the department's response to 
over 57,000 incidences annually in the city of Fort Worth
  Before serving as the Fire Chief of Fort Worth, Mr. Gaines served in 
the United States Air Force as a fire protection specialist. He worked 
on crash-rescue teams at various Air Force bases until his promotion to 
Air Force assistant chief. After receiving an honorable discharge from 
the Air Force in 1980, he continued his career as a member of the 
Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1981.
  During the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma 
City, Chief Gaines served as the fire department's operations safety 
officer. His service and leadership during this national tragedy 
ensured that the first responders and civilians were informed and 
received all medical attention necessary.
  His detail-oriented approach to problems within the department 
ensured that issues were addressed the first time around. After earning 
his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma City 
University, Chief Gaines incorporated efficient management techniques 
throughout the Fort Worth Fire Department. This management style 
allowed him to incorporate and encourage innovation and alternative 
thinking; Chief Gaines was able to initiate solutions that would more 
effectively safeguard the citizens of Fort Worth, while saving tax 
dollars in the process.
  His leadership, professionalism and dedication will not be forgotten 
in the City of Fort Worth or Oklahoma City. Mr. Gaines' devotion to his 
career and his fellow officers was absolute, and his service to the 
Fort Worth community will be deeply missed.

                          ____________________