CONGRATULATING MICHAEL BROWN

HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

March 14, 2016

Mr. HELLER: Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Michael Brown on his retirement after serving the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) for over 26 years. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of hard work and dedication to creating a safe environment for the communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Mr. Brown began his career in fire services 37 years ago. In 1986, he joined the NLTFPD as a firefighter and paramedic. Throughout his tenure, he worked diligently, moving up the chain of command, until he left the NLTFPD to serve the Nevada Division of Forestry. He returned to the District in 2003, assuming the role of Assistant Fire Chief. In 2007, Mr. Brown was named Fire Chief, taking full responsibility for the Department and leading his colleagues in fighting fires and providing emergency services. Mr. Brown commanded the Department with over 20 years of experience as a paramedic, serving the local communities with unparalleled knowledge. His years of service in responding to all types of emergency and public service situations are invaluable to residents across the Lake Tahoe community. Mr. Brown truly went above and beyond in his role with the NLTFPD.

It is the brave men and women who serve in our local fire departments that help keep our communities safe. These heroes selflessly put their lives on the line every day. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Brown for his courageous contributions to the people of Lake Tahoe. His sacrifice and courage earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who have valiantly put their lives on the line to benefit others. 

For the last 50 years, the NLTFPD has provided risk services to residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. The Department has three stations and provides two staffed ambulances and two reserve ambulances to address needs within the local community. All firefighters serving the NLTFPD are Nevada Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition, the Department has over 20 paramedics ready to assist at any time. This Department serves as a special resource to the community with the ability to rescue residents in all types of scenarios, including emergencies in snow, water, or in backcountry, in addition to protecting local residents in incidents of fire. In 1982, it also began providing transportation of the sick and injured to various hospitals. This Department has shown unwavering dedication to keeping Nevadans of this community safe. We are lucky to have had someone like Mr. Brown leading the way in the Department’s efforts. 

Mr. Brown has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the NLTFPD. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Brown on his retirement, and I give my deepest appreciation for all he has done to make Nevada a safer place. I offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.