[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22507-22508]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO RONALD McCLAIN, GEORGE BINNO AND FRED GOLDA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, on Friday, September 26, 2008, the Sterling 
Heights' Firefighters Union will host their Annual Dinner-Dance, 
honoring their 2008 retirees. This yearly event honors Sterling Heights 
firefighters for their dedication to protecting the public and 
recognizes their commitment to the community in which they serve. I am 
pleased to be associated with this fine organization and this wonderful 
evening when so many friends gather.
  I rise today to pay tribute to the careers of three retiring 
firefighters.
  Ronald McClain became a Sterling Heights firefighter on May 21, 1979. 
In May of the following year, he successfully completed the Emergency 
Medical Technician (EMT) curriculum, becoming one of the department's 
first paramedics. On June 24, 1986, he was assigned to acting sergeant 
position and maintained that post through June 21, 1988. Ronald McClain 
received several other promotions throughout his career, including 
promotion to Firefighter on April 18, 1992, Lieutenant on July 5, 1994, 
Fire Captain on July 31, 1998, Battalion Chief on July 1, 2002 and 
Chief of Operations on October 21, 2003. In addition to these 
promotions, he also received the Outstanding Firefighter of the Year 
Award in 1991 and the Fire Chief's Award in March of 2002. Ronald 
McClain retired from the Sterling Heights Fire Department on February 
29th of this year after nearly 29 years of dedicated service. He has 
continued his public service by becoming the chief of the South Lyon 
Fire Department.

[[Page 22508]]

  George Binno became a Sterling Heights firefighter on January 9, 
1978. In 1982 he became certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. 
In July of 1989, he was named Sterling Heights Fire Department's 
Employee of the Month. Throughout his career, George Binno was promoted 
three times: Fire Lieutenant on June 21, 1994, Fire Captain on August 
16, 1997, and Battalion Chief on January 18, 2001. He received the Fire 
Chief's Award for his involvement in the implementation of the ICS and 
Radio Committee, and received the 5-Year Safe Driver Award in 2003. 
George Binno retired on February 29th of this year after 30 years of 
dedicated service.
  Fred Golda became a Sterling Heights firefighter on September 5, 
1989. Over the years he was an ardent participant in the fire 
department's Open House. He also assisted with facilitating and 
coordinating the department's Civilian Fire Academy. Fred Golda 
received the Fire Chief's Award four times for letters extolling above 
and beyond responses to several incidents. Throughout his career, Fred 
Golda was promoted several times: Fire Sergeant on July 27, 2002, 
Lieutenant on November 10, 2003, and Fire Inspector on January 21, 
2005. He was honored with the 5-Year Safe Driver Award and the 
Meritorious Unit Citation for quick actions in the extrication of a DPW 
worker from a trench in November of 2003. Fred Golda retired on 
September 4th of this year after 19 years of dedicated service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these 
three heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving the public with 
valor, commitment, and honor.

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