[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 1531] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF FIRE CHIEF BERNARD M. BENEDICT ______ HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH of ohio in the house of representatives Monday, February 22, 2010 Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Fire Chief Bernard M. Benedict, upon his retirement from the Middleburg Heights Fire Department, following nearly forty years of leadership, service and dedication to the citizens of Middleburg Heights. Chief Benedict joined the Middleburg Heights Fire Department on June 16, 1973. In November of that year, he completed the State of Ohio's 160 Hour Fire Training course, finishing fourth in his class. On June 29th, 1977, he graduated from the Paramedic Program at Cuyahoga County Community College. One year later, Chief Benedict became one of the first paramedic-firefighters with the Middleburg Heights Fire Department. From the beginning, Chief Benedict set a tone of camaraderie and professionalism within the Department, and he easily gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors. Equipped with expertise in the safety field, an unwavering dedication to his vocation, and an affable nature, he quickly rose through the ranks, and was appointed as Acting Lieutenant in March, 1987. Committed to continuing his education, Chief Benedict completed his Associate's Degree in Emergency Medical Technology in 1990. In 2000, he was appointed as the Technical Rescue Director for the Southwest Emergency Response. One year later, in May of 2001, he was appointed Chief of the Middleburg Heights Fire Department. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Fire Chief Bernard M. Benedict for his commitment and his leadership in creating a safe community for everyone who lives and works in Middleburg Heights. His superior work as Chief, firefighter, paramedic and instructor has set the bar high for safety, response and protection within Middleburg Heights, Ohio. His service will forever be a true example for others to follow. ____________________