[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 11 (Wednesday, February 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHIEF WILLIAM L. BIELE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES M. TALENT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2000

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Chief William 
L. Biele, who will be retiring from the Creve Coeur Fire Protection 
District. I hope you will join me in honoring his fine career and in 
wishing him a happy and healthy retirement.
  Chief Biele joined the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District in 
October of 1959. He was promoted to Captain in 1964 and after several 
promotions was named Chief in 1983. During his tenure, he established 
an aggressive educational program to enhance the management potential 
of his staff as well as the establishment of an In-house District 
Fitness Program. This fitness program led to the District's 
participation in the International Firefighter Combat Challenge, in 
which the Creve Coeur District continually demonstrates its commitment 
to athletic excellence.
  Not only has he distinguished himself with an impressive career with 
the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District, he has long been a civic 
leader in his community. His work with the Creve Coeur Lions Club, the 
Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Dream Factory, the Missouri Mules, 
the Backstoppers, the Missouri Children's Burn Camp and the Salvation 
Army, stand as a testament to his tireless efforts to serve the 
community and the less fortunate.
  In addition to his many charitable and civic contributions, Chief 
Biele has provided leadership and expertise to several professional 
organizations, including: the International Association of Fire Chiefs, 
the Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chiefs Association, the Missouri Valley 
Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Arson 
Investigators.
  Numerous accomplishments and contributions to professional 
organizations highlighted his long service with the Creve Coeur Fire 
Protection District. Among these are: 1978 Firefighter of the Year 
Award, the 1981 Lion of the Year Award, the 1997 Creve Coeur--Olivette 
Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Businessperson of the Year, member of 
the Board of Governors for the Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chief 
Association, Co-Chairman of the St. Louis County Fire and Police 
Memorial Committee and Chairman of the Central County 911 Chiefs 
Operating Committee.
  Again, Mr. Speaker I hope you will join me in congratulating and 
thanking Chief Biele for his service to the residents and businesses of 
Creve Coeur. He is truly a great humanitarian, mentor, leader, and 
citizen. His efforts are indeed an inspiration to us all.

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