February 12, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 29 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 RECOGNIZING BOB DRAKE OF EAST HELENA, JORDAN ALEXANDER OF HELENA, AND 
    RICK ABRAHAM OF MONTANA CITY WITH SPIRIT OF MONTANA COMMENDATION

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Drake of 
Helena, Jordan Alexander of East Helena, and Rick Abraham of Montana 
City for their many decades of service to their volunteer fire 
departments.
  Bob grew up knowing he wanted to be a firefighter. His father was one 
of the founding members of the former Lakeside Fire Department that was 
created in 1973. In 1995, Bob followed in his father's footsteps and 
became a volunteer firefighter. Six years later, Bob became the 
department's volunteer fire chief. Bob will retire this month after 25 
years on the job.
  Jordan began his firefighting career at just 17, working at the 
station in Bozeman. After two years, he graduated high school and went 
on to college. After Jordan made his way to Helena in 1989, he started 
volunteering at the Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department. In 2012, he 
became fire chief. This month, Jordan retired after 30 years of total 
service.
  Rick started firefighting in 1989 for the Montana City Volunteer Fire 
Department. In 2001, he became fire chief. Rick says it never ceases to 
amaze him how volunteers leave birthday parties or Christmas dinners in 
a moment's notice to help people in their time of need. In June, Rick 
will retire after 31 years at the department.
  These men say their favorite part of the job is the impact the 
department has on the community. They help people on their worst days. 
They help their neighbors, friends, and families who face catastrophe. 
Everyone in the community breathes a little easier as they see each of 
these men and their departments coming down the road to help in their 
time of crisis.
  Bob, Jordan and Rick also spoke about the power of the volunteer and 
how they join the department with their day jobs and hobbies. The 
banker comes, the nurse comes, the electrician comes, and the teacher 
comes. The volunteers form a diverse, powerful group that serves their 
community to its fullest.
  Madam Speaker, for their incredible leadership at the helm of the 
Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, Baxendale Volunteer Fire 
Department, and the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department, I recognize 
Bob Drake, Jordan Alexander, and Rick Abraham for their Spirit of 
Montana.

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