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.
“TRIBUTE TO THOMAS PELAIA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2259 on Sept. 14, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO THOMAS PELAIA
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HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, September 14, 2009
Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an outstanding individual, Thomas Pelaia, who will be recognized by the John I. Crecco Foundation with its Public Safety Award on September 11, 2009 for his many years of dedicated service to keeping our communities safe.
It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, because he is the embodiment of the patriotism and community service that make our nation great.
Thomas Pelaia joined the Bloomfield Fire Department on May 13, 1980. After serving as a line fireman, he was transferred to the Fire Prevention Bureau where he served as an Inspector, Senior Inspector, and now as the Fire Official who is the Chief Inspector of Fire Prevention. During his tenure there, he has worked to make Bloomfield one of the safest communities in the nation. In 1999, he partnered with the Bloomfield Board of Education in having fire sprinklers installed in major school construction projects. To date, three of the eight elementary schools and the high school are fully equipped with sprinkler systems; many of the other schools are partially equipped.
Tom has been the Deputy Essex County Fire Mutual Aid Coordinator since 1994. On January 19, 2000 he organized the mutual aid response to the devastating fire at Seton Hall University. Shortly after the fire, Tom worked closely with Bloomfield College to have sprinklers installed throughout all of the dormitories, even before legislation was passed to mandate them. Due to his efforts in protecting these schools, he was honored as Fire Protection Inspector of the Year in May 2001 by the New Jersey State Fire Prevention and Protection Association and the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs. Also as Fire Coordinator, he organized Essex County's response to New York City after the tragic events of eight years ago when the September 11, 2001 attacks took place. He organized the response of 25 Essex County fire companies to protect the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn on September 12 and 13, 2001.
Tom was an integral part of the accreditation team that worked to have the Bloomfield Fire Department receive International Accreditation. It is the first in New Jersey and the first career Fire Department in the northeast to receive this prestigious recognition which was awarded in March of this year. Tom has been an active member of many organizations throughout the years. He has served as Bloomfield FMBA Local 19 Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Executive Delegate for over 15 years. He also served the New Jersey State FMBA as a District Vice President and Legislative Committeeman.
Tom currently serves as a Fire Advisor to the Bloomfield Volunteer Emergency Squad. He is the Secretary of the Bloomfield Firemen's Relief Association and is the Essex County Legislative Committeeman for the New Jersey State Fireman's Association. As a 35 year member of the Bell and Siren Club, Inc., he is the Chairman of its Essex Committee and the Vice President of the International Convention which will be hosted in New Jersey in 2011. He is also an active member of the Essex County Fire Prevention Association and the Essex County Fire Chief's Association. Tom is also a member of Bloomfield UNICO. He resides in Livingston, New Jersey, with his wife Maria and his niece Danielle.
The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to being able to highlight the achievements of great Americans like Thomas Pelaia.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Thomas's family and friends, everyone at the John I. Crecco Foundation, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Thomas Pelaia to his community.
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