[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         STEVEN P. AUSTIN--1996 FIRE SERVICE PERSON OF THE YEAR

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, 30 years ago, President Lyndon 
Johnson stated,

       The American firefighter today must meet the challenge of 
     fires caused by numerous new chemicals, explosives, and 
     combustible fibers, and other dangerous materials. He must be 
     prepared to fight fires in crowded cities and giant 
     buildings, as well as in remote rural communities.

  Today, we know that these challenges to the fire services have grown 
considerably. The greatest example, of course, being the tragedy in 
Oklahoma City.
  That is why today, Mr. President, I am honored to pay tribute to 
Steven P. Austin, who last night at the National Fire and Emergency 
Services Dinner, was named Fire Service Person of the Year.
  Steve Austin serves as chairman of the National Advisory Committee 
for the Congressional Fire Services Institute, working countless hours 
to meet the challenges faced by the fire and emergency services. He 
works diligently helping those who help us in times of crisis.
  Steve Austin may remember President Johnson's words back in 1966, 
because 3 years prior, Steve Austin began his service as a volunteer 
firefighter. Today, he continues to respond to emergency calls as a 
member of the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark, DE.
  Along with his work as chairman and firefighter, Steve Austin, 
continues to serve as a fire claims superintendent for the State Farm 
Fire and Casualty Company, external affairs representative for the 
International Association of Arson Investigators, chairman of the NFPA 
Technical Committee on Fire Investigator Professional Qualifications, 
and as a member of the Delaware State Fire Police. In the past, he has 
been president of the New Castle County Volunteer Firemen's Association 
and also president of the Delaware Chapter International Association of 
Arson Investigators.
  During his distinguished career, Steve Austin has received the George 
H. Parker Distinguished Service Award, the Life Membership Award, and 
the Presidential Award from the International Association of Arson 
Investigators.
  Steve Austin is committed to meeting the new challenges faced by the 
fire services. I am confident that as long as there are dedicated 
people like him, the fire service will continue to serve us with the 
heroism, bravery and professionalism that we have all come to expect. 
It is an honor to pay tribute to him today as a great leader, a great 
Delawarean, and a great friend.

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