The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE
DEPARTMENT 148TH RECRUIT CLASS
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HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 148th Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 42 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School consists of an extensive and demanding 30-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed twelve weeks of EMT training and sixteen weeks of fire suppression training. Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force I, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015.
Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 148th Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 148th Recruit Class:
Paul Ayers, Juan Bailey, Jacob Biller, Joseph Boccabello, Andrew Brinton, Timothy Cahill, Jason Cook, Zion David, Joshua Davidson, Andrew Duke, Matthew McKay, Ariel Molina Heredia, Gary Moore Jr, Ricardo Munoz Caceres, Charles Nelson III, Christopher Ong-Hay, Kelly Paszkiewicz, Tyler Pennington, Elijah Quiceno, Brandon Rafferty.
Keith Fosco, Rachel Guszick, Jonas Holz, Timothy Hussey, Caroline Jarvis, Michael Kloosterboer, Cameron Kotwicki, Adam Ladd, Joseph Leis, Maria-Clarice Lingat, Tyler Martin, James Reed III, Darious Rush, Matthew Sisinni, Mark Taggart-Perez, David Tezza, Armin Saadi, Jason Vargas, Benjamin Welty, Taylor White, Matthew Wilson, Ian Wood.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 128
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