[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COLUMBIA, MISSOURI FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2000

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, we all have probably heard the favorite 
saying of the former Speaker of the U.S. House, Tip O'Neill, ``that all 
politics are local.'' Taking this quip to heart, the actions of William 
Markgraf, the Fire Chief of Columbia, Missouri, show that in this 
rapidly shrinking world, even strong international relations can be 
encouraged locally.
  Recently, Chief Markgraf informed me about a remarkable relationship 
that he has formed with another firefighter from Moers, Germany. The 
story begins about 12 years ago, when a volunteer firefighter named 
Michael Stroinski from Moers trained and worked with the Columbia Fire 
Department during their Spring Fire School. Moers, which is about 15 
minutes outside of Dusseldorf, has a fire department that is largely 
composed of volunteers and serves nearly 125,000 people. For the last 
twelve years, Michael has returned nearly every year to Columbia, 
sometimes bringing as many as six of his company-mates from Germany 
with him to train, work and live with members of the Columbia Fire 
Department. In kind, Michael has repeatedly extended a similar 
invitation to Chief Markgraf and others from the C.F.D., who have 
gratefully accepted, resulting in a vibrant exchange program between 
Moers and Columbia firefighters.
  This July, Moers will be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of its 
central fire station and has invited members of the Columbia Fire 
Department to attend this celebration. For this reason, I would like to 
send my thanks and the thanks of those in this chamber to the people of 
Moers, Germany for the hospitality they have extended to my 
constituents. In addition, I would like to recognize Michael Stroinski, 
Captain of Moers Fire Station One, for his meritorious service to his 
city and the people of Columbia in the line of duty, as well as for his 
role in fostering a partnership and good relations between these two 
international communities.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this anniversary celebration will be 
as successful as the relationship formed between Columbia and Moers, 
and I wish Michael and the other German firefighters many safe returns 
to Columbia, Missouri.

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