[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING NORMAN L. GEISSLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JON D. FOX

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a heroic 
and selfless man, Mr. Norman Geissler. Mr. Geissler is a valuable 
citizen in the Elkins Park, Montgomery County community, and a keystone 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Geissler devoted most of his life in service to the people of 
Montgomery County. Starting at the age of 18, Mr. Geissler progressed 
through the ranks and became a chief figure in the fire-fighting force 
of Pennsylvania. His positive leadership and heroism make him a role 
model in the eyes of both the citizens of Pennsylvania and its most 
elite firefighters.
  Mr. Geissler grew up in Abington Township. In 1946, shortly after his 
18th birthday, he joined his father's fire company and he soon advanced 
to assistant chief. In 1950, he joined Elkins Park Fire Company in 
Cheltenham Township and became the chief engineer and secretary of the 
active crew.
  Advancing yet again in 1957, Mr. Geissler became the secretary of the 
Montgomery County Fireman's Association. This role was especially 
significant because he followed in his father's footsteps, and he 
remained in this leadership rank for 26 years.
  In 1970, Mr. Geissler advanced to the president of the Fireman's 
Association of the State of Pennsylvania and in 1971 he chaired their 
convention in Erie.
  Elected president of the Keystone State Fire Chiefs in 1987, Mr. 
Geissler continued to put forth effort and dedication to his duty for 
the next 2 years. On February 24, 1985, he was inducted into the Chapel 
of Four Chaplain and given their award for heroism. Mr. Geissler was 
also honored with the prestigious James A. Miller Award for Meritorious 
Service at the Firemen's Association convention, the highest award 
given by this eminent association.
  Mr. Geissler holds several highly ranked leadership positions. He is 
the parliamentarian emeritus of the Firemen's Association, as well as 
the parliamentarian of the Montgomery County Firemen's Association and 
their representative to the Firemen's Legislative Federation. In 
addition, he is the chairman of the by-laws-committee for the Keystone 
Fire Chiefs.
  Mr. Geissler received his 50-year award in March 1990 by the Elkins 
Park Fire Co. at their annual banquet. Paul Ditzel, a renowned 
historian of the fire service, gave special recognition to Mr. Geissler 
in his book, ``A New Look at the Old Firehouse.''
  In addition to well deservingly receiving all of these awards and 
prestigious positions, Mr. Geissler is a dedicated fireman in practice. 
The most exemplary incident occurred on April 21, 1963. Mr. Geissler 
heroically rescued Sharon, Laurie, and Paul Newman from suffocation 
from a fire in the kitchen. Despite the potential danger to himself, 
Mr. Geissler entered the dwelling, crawled to the second floor, 
gathered the children, and carried them downstairs. In recognition of 
this life-threatening and heroic act, the commission awarded him a 
well-deserved bronze medal and $500 award.
  The fact that Mr. Geissler progressed all the way through these 
prestigious positions and the multitude of well-deserving awards 
illustrates his dedication to his job as well as to his State. Not only 
do his neighbors think highly of him, but across Pennsylvania he is 
thought of as a man with integrity, heroism, and extreme loyalty to the 
Commonwealth.
  In addition, Mr. Geissler is devoted to the many fire-fighting 
organizations of which he has been a part or a leader. His genuine 
heroism, desire and ability to improve, and dedication to task combines 
to provide him as a positive leader, ideal role model, and keystone in 
the fire-fighting force of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  As Mr. Geissler and his family have just celebrated his 75th 
birthday, I extend to him my personal warm wishes and ask that the 
Congress of the United States honor him for a lifetime of devotion to 
his family, his community, and his Nation.

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