[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24492]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ROBERT E. KELLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Robert 
E. Kelley on his retirement after more than four decades of service to 
the citizens of Vernon, CT, as a firefighter and first responder.
  Bob began his career in 1966 at the Rockville Fire Department, where 
he ascended to the rank of Battalion Chief of the Rescue Squad. In 
1980, he was promoted to the position of District Fire Chief and later 
Chief of the Town of Vernon Fire Department in 1986. Bob's commitment 
to public service is evident in his dedication to do what is best for 
the citizens of his town and his fellow firefighters, regardless of the 
task. As a supervisor and mentor his contribution is immeasurable, but 
his record speaks for itself. No firefighter has ever lost his life in 
the line of duty under the command of Chief Kelley, and that speaks to 
his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public safety and 
his comrades.
  I have known Bob for almost 20 years in a number of different 
capacities: Constituent, fellow town official, advisor, and friend, and 
he has served the people of Vernon and Tolland County with integrity 
and distinction. His duties have covered the gamut; planning, 
developing budgets, saving lives, and protecting property. He also 
oversaw the transformation of public safety from a loose group of local 
volunteers to a sophisticated cutting edge network of first responders. 
We are lucky to still have a predominantly all volunteer force, and 
under Bob's leadership they have been trained and equipped to deal with 
the challenges of the 21st century. Congratulations to Bob, his wife of 
47 years, Marilla, and his family on this well-deserved retirement. I 
hope he still drives a red Ford around town so I will know he's coming 
down the street.
  The Town of Vernon Fire Department will miss his leadership and I ask 
my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in thanking Bob 
Kelley for his years of public service and wishing him well in his new 
endeavors.

                          ____________________