The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE
DEPARTMENT 151ST 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 151st Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the six 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 151st Recruit School consisted of a thorough eight-week scenario and refresher course for prior experienced and certified firefighters/EMT's.
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.
They also saw extensive work in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of disaster relief and rescue efforts in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
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 151st 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 151st Recruit Class:
Lucas Gray
Ivanovich Lesefka
Michael Loblanco
Michael Such
Hunter Talbot
Benjamin Wilson
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)
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up