[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13426]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                    CONGRATULATING MICHAEL HERNANDEZ

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate 
Michael Hernandez on his retirement after serving as Reno fire chief 
for over 5 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of 
hard work and dedication to creating a safe environment throughout 
Reno.
  Mr. Hernandez stands as a shining example of someone who has truly 
devoted his life to serving his local community. He earned a bachelor 
of science in government and a master of education from Texas A&M 
University. He later obtained his executive fire officer credential 
from the National Fire Academy. Mr. Hernandez began his fire service 
career over 30 years ago as a firefighter medic. Throughout his tenure, 
he worked in every division of fire services, including emergency 
operations, training, emergency medical service, emergency operations 
center management, and the fire prevention bureau. He advanced in his 
job with diligence, applying knowledge from each division to his work. 
Mr. Hernandez is truly a role model in the fire services community 
throughout Reno and across the silver State.
  In March of 2010, Mr. Hernandez was named Reno fire chief. Along with 
the position, he gained responsibility for the department's response to 
fires, natural and manmade disasters, and emergency medical calls. He 
worked tirelessly to ensure that the Reno Fire Department maintained 
excellent fire services for Nevada residents, even in some of the most 
tumultuous economic times. As chief, Mr. Hernandez provided fellow 
firefighters with the training and tools necessary to keep our local 
community safe. Mr. Hernandez is also a member of the International 
Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Academy Executive Fire 
Officer Alumni Association, the National Fire Protection Association, 
and the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association. I am grateful for all Mr. 
Hernandez has done for the City of Reno.
  It is the brave men and women who serve in our local fire departments 
that help keep our communities safe. These heroes selflessly put their 
lives on the line every day. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. 
Hernandez for his courageous contributions to the people of Reno and to 
the silver State. His sacrifice and courage earn him a place among the 
outstanding men and women who have valiantly put their lives on the 
line to benefit others.
  Mr. Hernandez has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to 
excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the Reno Fire 
Department. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud 
to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask all of my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Mr. Hernandez on his retirement, and I give my 
deepest appreciation for all that he has done to make Nevada a safer 
place. I offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling 
years to come.

                          ____________________