[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9089]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CHIEF LUTHER J. TAYLOR OF THE SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding citizen of South Bend, IN, Luther J. Taylor, who has 
devoted his life to the protection of his community. For the past 34 
years he has served as a firefighter for the South Bend Fire 
Department, 21 of those as Fire Chief.
  Chief Taylor's career as a firefighter started in 1972. At that time 
he never intended to build a career but rather to move on to another 
profession after a few years. Yet, his feelings of duty to his 
community and enjoyment for his job led him to a long and illustrious 
career. Today the South Bend community honors this career.
  First appointed Fire Chief by Mayor Roger Parent in 1985, Taylor's 
adept management style and creative ideas led him to be reappointed 
under the two succeeding mayors. In his 21 years as Fire Chief he has 
greatly increased the professionalism, efficiency and lifesaving 
capacity of the South Bend Fire Department. Through Chief Taylor's 
leadership, the South Bend Fire Department has become one of the top 
fire departments in Indiana.
  From 1992 to 1993 Chief Taylor served as the President of the Indiana 
Fire Chiefs Association. This association strives to increase the 
professionalism and success of fire departments throughout Indiana. He 
has served on numerous other boards across the State of Indiana each 
benefiting greatly from his expertise.
  In 2005 Chief Luther Taylor was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, 
the highest honor bestowed by governors of Indiana, by Governor Joe 
Kernan. This award is given only to those who make major contributions 
to the lives of Hoosiers.
  So today, on behalf of the citizens of South Bend, I thank Luther 
Taylor for his years of dedication to the safety and security of our 
community. As he retires from almost 35 years on the South Bend Fire 
Department, I pay special tribute to one of the finest fire chiefs to 
ever serve Indiana. His service will always be remembered for numerous 
lives that were saved as a result of his efforts and the changes that 
each citizen can see as a result of his leadership.

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