[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MR. THOMAS W. FISCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2000

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated 
service of Special Agent Thomas W. Fischer to the people of the United 
States. Mr. Fischer entered the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in 
1977 and demonstrated early in his career that he possessed ambition 
and integrity that would lead him into a successful lifelong career. 
Special Agent Fischer began his enforcement career on February 27, 
1967, with the Baltimore City Police Department. He served honorably 
and with valor for 10 years. Due to his considerable skills, tact, 
courage, and dedication to duty, he was promoted from patrolman to 
detective, tactical sergeant, detective sergeant, and lieutenant 
(select). While serving with the Baltimore City Police Department, 
Thomas W. Fischer received nine official commendations for valor and 
meritorious service.
  In 1977 Thomas W. Fischer began a career in Federal law enforcement 
as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. His 
first assignment was at the Maryland State Capitol in Annapolis. As a 
seasoned law enforcement veteran he was quickly recognized as a rising 
star and leader. Continuing in his remarkable career, during the 
Iranian crisis, Thomas W. Fischer was assigned as the only civilian 
Federal agent aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Tom set the NCIS 
Special Agent longevity record for at-sea time as a Special Agent 
Afloat (SAA), with 247 days at sea out of 255 days on deployment. This 
record remains to this day.
  Following his exploits at sea, Special Agent Fischer was assigned 
briefly to the NCIS office in Washington, DC. In 1981 Special Agent 
Fischer, ever in search of a challenge, transferred to NAS Cubi Point, 
the Philippines. After only a year, he was promoted to Squad Leader for 
the Foreign Counterintelligence (FCI) Squad, Subic Bay. He was 
subsequently promoted to the position of Assistant Rgional Director 
(FCI) for the Regional NCIS Office, Philippines. In June 1985 Special 
Agent Fischer accepted an assignment as the Assistant Special Agent in 
Charge for FCI at the NCIS office at Long Beach, CA. In August 1986, 
Tom transferred to NCIS Headquarters where he served as a Senior Staff 
Assistant to the Director as the Special Agent Afloat Program Manager.
  In 1987, Special Agent Fischer made history while assigned to the 
Bobsled Task Force investigating Marine Security Guard espionage 
activity. Special Agent Fischer traveled to Moscow, U.S.S.R. where he 
conducted interviews and other inquiries at the American Embassy.
  In September 1987, continuing supervisory ascent, Mr. Fischer was 
named Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS office in Washington, 
DC. In October 1988, Special Agent Fischer was named Special Agent in 
Charge of the Regional Fraud Unit, National Capitol Region, Washington 
DC. During June 1991, Special Agent Fischer assumed duties as the 
Deputy Regional Director of the NCIS European Region London, United 
Kingdom. He was then promoted to Regional Director where he served with 
distinction until his selection as Assistant Director for Inspections 
in May 1994.
  During the past 6 years, Mr. Fischer, as an Assistant Director, has 
brought vision, candor, and insight to many issues instrumental in 
building the NCIS of today. Special Agent Fischer served honorably and 
served as a role model and leader for an entire agent corps, who by 
living according to his high standard, remains as his lasting legacy to 
the organization he so nobly served.
  Special Agent Fischer's career, which includes active duty service in 
the U.S. Armed Forces from March 1962 to September 1965, spans five 
decades of service to the people of the United States.

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