Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Montebello Firefighter Charles A. Ford, who after 32 years of courageous service to the Montebello Fire Department retired on July 7, 1994. Over the past 32 years, Mr. Ford has played an integral role in the transformation of the Montebello Fire Department. He has helped it grow from a small community firehouse to a modern-day emergency response force that is today serving nearly 60,000 residents and area businesses. Mr. Ford has long been recognized as an outstanding member of the Montebello Fire Department. In 1975, he completed his training to become one of the first paramedics in the department. He was honored as Montebello Firefighter of the Year in both 1974 and 1989. In 1983, his colleagues named him Montebello Paramedic of the Year and in 1988, he was one of nine recipients to receive the prestigious Los Angeles County Protectors Award. Although Mr. Ford suffered a heart attack in 1985, causing him to retire from emergency response duties, he continued his dedicated efforts to the department as the emergency services coordinator. In this capacity, Mr. Ford developed and implemented training and disaster assistance/response programs for the City of Montebello. These programs are the backbone for the recovery procedures the city uses after a disaster. Mr. Ford's commitment to the community does not end with his day at work. He founded the Annual Children's Christmas Party, which each year, under his leadership, unites members of the business community, the local school district and the Firefighter Association to bring much needed Christmas cheer to the lives of disadvantaged children in Montebello. This last Christmas over 700 children enjoyed the Christmas spirit and found new toys under their Christmas trees. It is with great pride that I recognize Mr. Charles Ford, for his dedication to making Montebello a better place to live. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Ford for his devotion to Montebello's residents and for his unselfish desire to help others. He is a true public servant.