The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE
DEPARTMENT 149TH RECRUIT CLASS
______
HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 149th Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 30 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 26-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed nine weeks of EMT training and fourteen weeks of fire suppression training; Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter 1/11 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 1, 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 149th 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 149th Recruit Class.
Mohamed Ahmed
Patrick Alden
Jayquan Anderson
Andrew Bryant Jr.
Zachery Buttenshaw
Nicolas Cicero
Alexander Clark
Matthew Clark
Alexander Cope
David Danielson
Justin Efaw
Rickardo Evans
Kassandra Haakansson
Ashley Heck
Marcin Ligocki
Tyler Lomax
Rachel Long
Shannon Martin
Johnathan Matrone
Cameron Mazhari
JohnPaul McGurk
Frank Merritt
Kent Miller
Caleb Mitchell
Matthew Mullins
Patrick O'Connor
Von Powell
Shane Scott
Matthew Smalley
Dominique Wallace
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.''
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(2)
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