[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 121 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING CHIEF FERNANDO GRAY OF AURORA FIRE RESCUE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2022

  Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Fire Chief Fernando Gray of Aurora Fire Rescue, and 
to congratulate him on his upcoming retirement from the City of Aurora.
  During his five exemplary years with Aurora Fire Rescue, Chief Gray 
remained dedicated to serving our community. He has surpassed 
expectations--striving to meet any and all challenges with innovative 
approaches and best practices, while emphasizing personnel safety.
  As Aurora Fire Rescue's first Black fire chief, Gray was instrumental 
in recruiting more minority firefighters to the department, reflecting 
the diverse community it serves. Faced with an unprecedented pandemic, 
fire departments across the country were forced to restructure their 
operations almost instantaneously--a feat Chief Gray tackled 
seamlessly. He worked with the Colorado Attorney General's office to 
implement a consent decree agreement to restore public confidence in 
Aurora's public safety personnel after Elijah McClain was killed.
  Chief Gray is a life-long public servant committed to making our 
community a better and safer place through his work in the fire 
service. Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief for the City of Aurora, 
Chief Gray worked for the City of Dallas for over 20 years--serving in 
nearly every capacity within the organization except Fire Chief. 
Further, city leadership affirms that Chief Gray's commitment to 
professionalism in the fire service is unmatched, and I have no doubt 
the City of Aurora has benefited greatly from his exemplary leadership.
  Chief Gray's contributions to our community, Aurora Fire Rescue, and 
those around him have been enormous. I thank Chief Gray for his service 
to this community, and wish him the best on his next journey serving 
the Las Vegas community.

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