[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO RETIREES OF STERLING HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 1996

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, September 27, I will be privileged 
to attend the 10th annual dinner dance held by the Sterling Heights 
Fire Fighters Union Local No. 1557. Five retiring firefighters will be 
recognized on that occasion. Among them are distinguished captains, and 
a fire inspector, training chief, and fire marshal--all recipients of 
honor awards and letters of gratitude. Together they have given over 
123 years of dedicated service to the citizens of the city of Sterling 
Heights. Repeatedly over the past three decades each of them has 
unselfishly risked his life to protect the safety and property of 
Sterling Heights residents.
  The Sterling Heights Fire Department doesn't just fight fires--they 
are called upon by the community for other kinds of service, too. And 
so these men will also be remembered for their individual qualities--
for fine drawing work on fire pumper proposals, for fine departmental 
photographic work, for the quality of prayer offered and a divine 
singing voice when it was needed, for their work on previous retirement 
parties, and for citizen training and community open house 
participation.
  Mr. Speaker, I mention each individual firefighter's name and years 
of service today so that all Americans will know of their outstanding 
contribution and commitment to the people of Sterling Heights and 
surrounding communities: Capt. David W. Hagen, hired as a fireman 
January 15, 1973, died October 31, 1995--in memoriam; Chief of Training 
John Frisch, hired as a fireman August 23, 1971; Fire Inspector Bruce 
N. Cann, hired as a fireman January 4, 1971; Capt. Edward J. Burley, 
hired as a fireman January 4, 1971; and Inspector John (Jack) 
Swiatkowski, hired as a fireman January 4, 1971.
  Jack and Marge Swiatkowski, have been friends of mine for many years. 
They have been active in government--Marge is a former Commissioner, 
the community, and the union for a long time. I offer special 
congratulations to him.
  These gentlemen have earned the appreciation and respect of their 
community. Mr. Speaker, for this dedication, and uncommon valor, I pay 
tribute to these gentlemen and I join my neighbors in saluting them on 
the occasion of their retirement.

                          ____________________