[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20082]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE SERVICE OF FORT GRATIOT FIRE CHIEF RONALD B. NICHOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Fire Chief Ronald B. Nichols from the Fort Gratiot Fire Department 
in St. Clair County, Michigan. This year marks the 50th year Mr. 
Nichols has been a member of the department--and during 31 of those 
years he has proudly served as Chief.
  Chief Nichols has consistently raised the bar and set a high standard 
during his outstanding career in the fire service. The State of 
Michigan and the 10th Congressional District truly have been very 
fortunate to have him as one of our fire chiefs. During his tenure, the 
Fort Gratiot Fire Department experienced tremendous growth and 
commercial expansion. Through his continued leadership, he has been 
able to administer safe and effective fire codas while keeping pace 
with the latest technological advancements and changes in local fire 
prevention ordinances.
  Chief Nichols has stepped forth to fulfill numerous leadership roles 
and positions. He is a 26 year member of the International Association 
of Fire Chiefs, a member of the St. Clair County Fire Chiefs 
Association, a member of the St. Clair County Firefighters Association, 
and a member of the National Fire Protection Association. In 1992, he 
was recognized by his community, earning the St. Clair County 
Firefighters Association Firefighter of the Year Award.
  First responders are often under-appreciated and taken for granted 
until crisis strikes and the public reaches out for help and rescue. 
Against all common sense and natural instinct, firefighters rush to the 
scene of an emergency and into harm's way without the slightest 
hesitation.
  Firefighters are the backbone of our communities. Without the promise 
of any fame, fortune, or so much as a simple ``thank-you'', 
firefighters remain constantly vigilant and ready to serve. I know 
sometimes younger people idolize professional athletes and cheer for 
their favorite sports teams. And the same could be said for some adults 
too. But if you really want to see true teamwork search no further than 
your local fire station. It is here where men and women work together 
and count on each other to protect lives. Their service demonstrates 
courage, camaraderie, and bravery.
  I am extremely proud of all the men and women who risk so much to 
protect our safety and well-being, so it is my honor to offer my 
sincere gratitude to Chief Nichols for his 50 years of service. His 
leadership, integrity, and dedication are greatly appreciated. I wish 
him, his family, and his wife, Carole, all the best as he continues to 
serve the citizens of Fort Gratiot. Thank you, Chief Ronald B. Nichols, 
for dedicating your life to a noble cause. And thank you for ignoring 
fear and always demonstrating incredible bravery. That is what a real 
hero does.

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