[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6999]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CHIEF KEITH SMITH

  (Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
courage and leadership of Chief Keith Smith, or ``Smitty,'' as many 
affectionately called him. He was a dedicated firefighter, a leader in 
the truest sense of the word, and a devoted husband, father, and 
grandfather. Sadly, Chief Smith passed away recently after a battle 
with cancer.
  A lifelong Hoosier, Smitty spent nearly five decades as a firefighter 
in the Indianapolis area. He led the Indianapolis, Westfield, and 
Carmel departments as fire chief during his long career. He retired in 
2012 a highly decorated and widely respected leader who, in retirement, 
continued to champion and advocate for firefighter education and 
mentorship.
  In 2000, I was honored to work with Chief Smith to put on the 2001 
World Police and Fire Games in Indianapolis. His remarkable leadership 
and passion for leading others was truly inspirational.
  I feel fortunate to have known him, and I know his legacy lives on 
through the many lives he saved, the men and women he led, and, most 
importantly, his family, whom he loved dearly.
  I offer my deepest condolences to Keith's family, especially his 
wife, Cindy, and all the firefighters who mourn his loss and cherish 
his memory.

                          ____________________