Commending fire chiefs associations.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 80) recognizing the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association on the occasion of its 75th anniversary and commending the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association for sponsoring annually the Mid- Atlantic Expo and Symposium, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 80, as amended, commends all State fire chiefs associations. Every State in the Union has a fire chiefs association.

These groups provide valuable leadership skills to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the United States.

The members are literally on the front lines of the homeland security effort, ready to respond in a moment's notice to crisis situations anywhere in America. Fire chiefs are unquestionably the world's leaders in fire fighting, first response, emergency medical services, natural disasters, search and rescue, and many other areas of public safety. Their efforts largely go unnoticed, which is why I am so pleased that the House is taking time to recognize fire chiefs associations today.

Mr. Speaker, my thanks go to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode) for introducing this resolution. I urge the adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, every year fires and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars.

Fire fighters help protect the public against these dangers by rapidly responding to a variety of emergencies.

They are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries, or perform other vital functions. State fire chiefs associations serve to provide educational resources to fire fighters, to facilitate the exchange of information, to promote regional cooperation between firefighting entities and to provide professional development workshops and training to all state-wide and regional fire fighters.

These efforts in recent years have been broadened to include protecting the homeland. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association is dedicated to promoting excellence in the fire service by providing the network of information sharing and opportunities for its diverse membership and associated partnerships through education, legislation, and technical means.

The fire chiefs associations help us do our jobs, which is to serve and protect the American public. I commend the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and all fire chief associations for their hard work and dedication. They function for all of us and in our best interest.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 80, which recognizes the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association on the occasion of its 75th anniversary and commends the Virginia Fire Chief's Association for being an annual sponsor of the Mid-Atlantic Expo and Symposium.

Fire chiefs throughout the Nation provide decisive leadership that is key to the success of America's firefighters and first responders. The fire chief's associations in each State play a critical role in coordinating this important effort. Their members are literally on the front lines of the homeland security effort, ready to

respond in a moment's notice to crisis situations anywhere in America.

I have been able to witness the firm dedication and guidance the fire chiefs in my congressional district have provided. Unfortunately, their selfless efforts largely go unnoticed, which is why I am pleased the House is taking this opportunity to recognize the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association for their great achievements today.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Congressman Virgil Goode of my home State of Virginia for introducing this important resolution and urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my strong support of passing H. Res. 80, which honors the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association on reaching their 75th anniversary and commends them for annually hosting the Mid- Atlantic Expo and Symposium, and honors all Fire Chiefs Associations across the United States of America for their hard work on behalf of the all citizens in this country. The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association serves as an outstanding model for the importance that fire chiefs associations serve in our country, while confronted with new challenges facing fire services in ensuring the safety of our citizens and in protecting our homeland. I congratulate the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association on reaching its 75th Anniversary. I hope that all will vote for H. Res. 80, the Virginia Fire Chiefs Resolution, and hope the U.S. House of Representatives will support this resolution and pass it today.