[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING VOLUNTEER FIRE CHIEF M.L. ``PUG'' WELLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I submit these remarks in 
honor of Volunteer Fire Chief M.L. ``Pug'' Wells, a devoted public 
servant to the people of Elliston and Montgomery County, who passed 
away unexpectedly on March 7, 2012.
  For nearly 55 years, Pug was a member of the Elliston Fire 
Department. He led as Chief for 48 of those years. Pug was a founding 
member of both the department in 1957 and of the New River Valley Swift 
Water Rescue and Recovery. Never tiring, Pug even found time to assist 
the Shawsville Rescue Squad.
  In a recent interview, Pug said his greatest enjoyment came from 
``being able to help people.'' His selfless sacrifice is truly 
admirable. A committed family man, a noble community leader, and a 
friend of many, Pug will be greatly missed by his colleagues and those 
he served. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Mary Lee; his 
four children; his family; and his friends.
  Well known for his exceptional goodwill and dedication to the 
Montgomery community, I am honored to pay tribute to this man's many 
contributions. His legacy and influence will be long remembered in 
Montgomery County and throughout Southwest Virginia.

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