[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHIP PRATHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Chip 
Prather, Fire Chief of Orange County, California.
  Chip Prather became Fire Chief for the Orange County Fire Authority 
on October 1, 1997. In this capacity he is responsible for the daily 
operation of one of the largest fire organizations in California. Under 
his direction are 1,300 career firefighters, reserve firefighters and 
support staff. The OCFA serves 22 cities and unincorporated areas of 
Orange County, with a total population of more than 1.3 million, from 
59 fire stations.
  Prior to becoming Fire Chief, Mr. Prather served as Assistant 
Director of Fire Services/Operations. He was selected by the Orange 
County Firemen's Association as the 1995 ``Firefighter of the Year.'' 
In 1998, as a battalion chief, he was assigned to the Authority's first 
master plan. He was promoted to Division Chief in 1989 and a year later 
to Assistant Director of Fire Services.
  Chief Prather served as Incident Commander for the 1993 Laguna Fire 
and was responsible for the after-action report that has resulted in 
numerous changes in policies and procedures to improve fire safety in 
Southern California. His report provides a case study for unified 
command operations and disaster management.
  Chief Prather holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and has 
completed the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government 
Program for Senior Executives in state and local government. He has 
also attended the United States Fire Administration National Fire 
Academy, completing the Executive Fire Officer Program.
  Chief Prather has dedicated his life to protecting our community and 
is noted for his favorite saying, ``Be tough, be tender, be safe.''

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