[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5917]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO ED LAVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, with great appreciation I rise today to 
honor a dedicated and highly respected firefighter, Ed Lavery, who for 
more than 50 years steadfastly served and protected the people of 
Williamsville, New York.
  Even as a young boy growing up in Williamsville, Ed was drawn to fire 
engines. Often Ed would jump on his bike as soon as he heard the sound 
of fire engines to watch the firefighters battle the blaze. Due to his 
determination and perseverance Ed was forced to part with his bike 
after he joined the Fire Department when he crashed into a wall after 
his bikes brakes failed.
  With his straight talk and hard work ethic, Ed quickly became captain 
of the Williamsville Fire Department. He served five years as assistant 
chief, and in 1974, was elected chief. He also served as president in 
1985. Along with serving the Fire Department, Ed worked for the Amherst 
Engineering Department where he was the general foreman until he 
retired in 1999. Ed was also a part-time dispatcher at the Amherst 
Central Fire Alarm Office, which handles emergency calls for all 
companies protecting Amherst, Clarence and Newstead.
  Known for his candor and dry wit, Ed continues to be involved with 
the department. He often will join the firefighters in responding to 
Fires and check to make sure the pumpers are operating correctly. None 
of his family and friends foresee him quitting any time soon.
  Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of his tremendous service for 
more than 50 years to the people of Williamsville, NY, for his 
leadership, his dedication and the lasting legacy he leaves, I ask this 
honorable body to join me in honoring Ed Lavery.

                          ____________________