[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 49 (Thursday, March 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO JOHN BYRNE, IBEW LOCAL UNION NO. 401

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, on occasion, like other Members of this 
body, I am pleased to take the opportunity to recognize residents of my 
home State who have made significant contributions to their community. 
These comment are then included in the Congressional Record where they 
become a permanent part of our Nation's history.
  Today, I am proud to recognize a native Nevadan, and a good friend, 
John Byrne, on the occasion of his retirement. Throughout his career as 
an electrician and labor official, John has exemplified the traits of 
excellence and leadership.
  John grew up in the historic mining town of Virginia City, NV, 
graduating from Storey County High School in 1943. After completing his 
electrical apprenticeship in Medford, OR, he returned to Reno where he 
was employed by Landa Electric as general foreman. In 1951, he 
transferred his union membership to IBEW Local 401 in Reno.
  During the next 6 years, John earned the respect and admiration of 
his fellow electrical workers and, in 1957, as elected financial 
secretary and business manager of the local. He held this position 
until 1966 when he accepted the appointment as secretary and business 
representative of the Northern Nevada Building Trades Council, a 
position he held until 1971. Following an interim appointment as 
secretary/business representative of the Honolulu Building Trades 
Council, he returned to Reno and was reelected financial secretary and 
business manager of IBEW Local 401.
  In addition to these professional achievements, John has also been 
active in civic and community affairs. He has served on the Washoe 
County Building Code Appeal Board, the Reno Electrical Board of 
Examiners, the Nevada Employment Security Board of Review, the Nevada 
State Apprenticeship Council, as chairman of the Nevada OSHA Review 
Board, and as president of the California State Electrical Association.
  As a member of the Governor's Committee for the Restoration of 
Virginia City, he played an active role in the preservation of the 
historic Fourth Ward School and other projects that preserved our 
State's early history. He has also served as a member of the Virginia 
City Volunteer Fire Department and has been named to the Virginia High 
School Hall of Fame for outstanding achievement.
  John Byrne's reputation in the State is reflected in an award 
bestowed upon him by the Associated General Contractors for Skill, 
Integrity, and Responsibility. John is the only labor representative in 
Nevada history to be recognized with the S.I.R. award.
  On March 30, 1995, John will be honored by his friends and coworkers 
at a luncheon in Reno, NV. It is a privilege for me to recognize his 
achievements, and his dedication and commitment to the State and his 
profession. On behalf of all Nevadans, I wish him the best for his 
future goals.

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