[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.'' ____________________