[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 110 (Friday, July 30, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S9953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO RICHARD TORTORELLI

  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor Richard Tortorelli of Milford, New Hampshire, who has retired 
from the Milford Fire Department after 41 years of service.
  Richard began his career with the Milford Fire Department while in 
high school. At the age of 21, he joined the fire department as an on-
call fire fighter. In 1986, he became the first full-rime Fire Chief in 
Milford's history. Under his leadership, the fire department has seen 
many changes: a move from Town Hall in 1974 into the current station, a 
change from a one-town dispatch center to the regional Milford Area 
Communication Center, and equipment updates along with specialized 
training.
  Even though Richard works in one of the most dangerous professions in 
the country, he has never lost a member of his department. One of the 
most rewarding aspects of his career is that the number of fire calls 
in Milford has decreased over the years. He acknowledges that teaching 
fire prevention is not as thrilling as fighting a fire, however it is 
very important.
  I would like to thank Chief Tortorelli for his service to the Town of 
Milford, and his dedication and leadership to the Milford Fire 
Department. I commend Richard for his exemplary career and tireless 
efforts. I wish him luck in his future endeavors. It is an honor to 
represent him in the United States Senate.

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