[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING FAYETTEVILLE FIRE CHIEF DUKE ``PETE'' PINER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fayetteville Fire Chief 
Duke J. ``Pete'' Piner, who will retire on April 1, 2001, after more 
than 37 years of service.
  Chief Piner, 63, joined the Fayetteville Fire Department in 1964, 
following his father into the firefighting profession after a stint in 
the United States Navy and working briefly as an electrician.
  Almost 25 years to the day, on March 22, 1989, Piner became chief of 
the department. In the words of Fayetteville City Manager Roger 
Stancil, Chief Piner quickly established himself as a team player among 
city management. ``His leadership extended throughout the city,'' said 
Stancil. ``He was someone you could call on to accomplish a mission 
anywhere within the city government.''
  Chief Piner's vision led to many innovations for the fire department. 
During his tenure, the Fayetteville Fire Department built new stations 
to expand its service area, successfully merged with volunteer fire 
departments in neighborhoods annexed by the city, developed a state-of-
the-art hazardous materials response team, and began to utilize more 
modem technology. In fact, Chief Piner played a key role in modernizing 
the city's communications capabilities so that various city 
departments, state, and county agencies could communicate with one 
another during a crises or disaster situation.
  I ask that all my colleagues join me in honoring Chief Duke J. 
``Pete'' Piner for 37 years of remarkable public service to the people 
of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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