[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 2 (Thursday, January 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF JOHN T. CURRAN

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to offer my 
thanks and appreciation for the service of Mr. John T. Curran of 
Indianapolis who is retiring this month following a forty-year career 
that included twenty-four years as the Meteorologist-in-Charge for the 
National Weather Service, NWS, office in Indianapolis.
  Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Curran has played an essential 
role in the agency's integration of computer technology and development 
of the sophisticated equipment that has revolutionized the way the 
United States performs the vital function of monitoring and predicting 
our nation's weather. Mr. Curran's career began in 1961 where he worked 
as a trainee at the Weather Bureau Airport Station in Omaha, NE, and 
later as a severe local storms analyst and computer programmer. Mr. 
Curran's knowledge of, and experience with, the early computers and 
emerging technology made him an invaluable asset as the agency adopted 
new and better ways to carry out its mission.
  As the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the Indianapolis office, Mr. Curran 
oversaw operations in Indiana during a time of dramatic change for the 
NWS. Integration of new technologies and the dramatic changes brought 
forth by National Implementation Plan required competent and steadfast 
leadership to ensure that Hoosier communities benefitted from these 
remarkable new developments.
  Mr. Curran understood, however, that the people involved in this 
process were the backbone of the Weather Service. While the tremendous 
leaps in technology enable us to learn more about weather patterns 
better than ever before, it is the committed professionals at the 
agency that maintain its strength in providing this vital public 
service. Mr. Curran's thoughtful management of the Indianapolis office 
has helped ensure that this important federal responsibility is 
fulfilled for Indiana.
  The work of the NWS is essential to our economy and to public safety 
throughout Indiana. Accurate, reliable and helpful weather information 
is integral to our agricultural sector and to our transportation and 
manufacturing industries in Indiana. State and local officials and 
units of government rely on NWS alerts, warnings, and forecasts to 
prepare for and respond to emergency situations that occur in our 
cities, towns and neighborhoods. I have deeply appreciated Mr. Curran's 
efforts over the years to assist me and my staff in Indiana and 
Washington with the complex and technical issues involved with weather 
services and the modernization process.
  Mr. Curran has distinguished himself through strong, attentive 
leadership and a dedication to integrity in the public trust. His 
commitment to excellence in public service and careful stewardship at 
the NWS Office has made a positive difference for Indiana.
  I congratulate Mr. Curran for his achievements during his long 
career, and I thank him for his service to Indiana and the Nation. I 
know that he and his wife Christine look forward to spending more time 
with their children and grandchildren.

                          ____________________