[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 146 (Wednesday, November 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10883-S10884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DOUG DENLER

 Mr. BURNS. Madam President, I rise today to ask my colleagues 
to join me in paying tribute to a dedicated member of the Montana 
Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, FWP, as he concludes over 30 
years of service to his State and Nation. We are proud that much of 
this Montanan's working life has been dedicated to serving the citizens 
of and visitors to our great State.
  Mr. Doug Denler deserves this honor. We owe our gratitude for his 
contributions to the conservation of Montana's wildlife and natural 
resources, as well as preserving the outdoor heritage in the Rocky 
Mountain west.
  Doug Denler's personal and professional career accomplishments truly 
reflect the values of rural life under the big sky. His loyal service 
with our military forces, followed by public service in several Montana 
State agencies are a testament to all who find value in outdoor 
experiences. I would like to take a moment to reflect upon Doug's 
career as he embarks on a new phase of life beyond government service.
  Doug was born and raised in Boise, ID and attended college at Montana 
State University in Bozeman. Following graduation he was commissioned 
as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and shortly thereafter received 
orders to join a unit deployed to South Viet Nam. During that 
assignment Doug was highly decorated for service in combat, receiving 
the Air Medal and Bronze Star. Subsequently he continued uniformed 
service, and having completed 10 years on active duty he then elected 
to resign his commission and move his family to Montana.
  Doug's first job in State government was as human resource manager 
with the Department of Administration where he was instrumental in 
crafting legislation to enable hiring temporary workers in State 
government. His approach for quickly and efficiently engaging short-
term workers continues today as a foundation for many State agencies 
whose missions include part-time and seasonal tasks. He then spent two 
years at the Department of Highways before being selected in 1989 to be 
the Human Resource Bureau Chief at FWP.
  Bringing diverse experience and unbounded enthusiasm to his 
assignment Doug embarked on innovative ventures in pay plans, safety, 
training, labor relations, recruitment, and retention. Among his first 
achievements was crafting a comprehensive Policy Manual that is now 
widely used by FWP managers and is an essential component of new 
employee orientation.
  Turning his attention toward safe operating practices, he created an 
FWP statewide safety program that incorporated management oversight, 
documentation of mishap statistics and costs, and funding generated by 
savings from lowered accident rates. Demonstrating leadership ability 
and dedication, Doug volunteered to chair the new safety committee. A 
measure of his success is reflected in the fact that during the past 
three years FWP has twice received Governor's Award recognition for 
surpassing accident prevention goals.
  In 1999 Doug took the lead to initiate an Alternative Pay Plan for 
the Department's employees. This effort required his team to analyze 
market data, establish performance standards, initiate agency wide 
competencies, and obtain funding. Among the first of such plans 
approved by the Legislature and implemented the next year, the pay plan 
in use at FWP today typifies Doug's tireless efforts to find common 
ground and craft sensible solutions for both management and rank and 
file employees.
  Over the past year Doug stepped up yet again when asked to take on 
additional duties following the unexpected retirement of an executive 
manager. For eight months Doug served as the acting Chief of 
Administration and Finance. Along with performing his normal duties he 
provided oversight for a troubled $8 million computer development 
project, assisted with the preparations for a special session of the 
Legislature, and finalized a $62 million biennium budget.
  Doug Denler is highly regarded among his peers and the public for his 
devotion to resource conservation and his unmatched appreciation for 
Montana's hunting and fishing lifestyle. Embracing the FWP mission both 
in and outside the office makes Doug a consummate professional, and his 
retirement will leave a gap in knowledge and ability that FWP will find 
difficult to replace.
  It is a great honor for me to present these credentials of Doug 
Denler before the Senate today. It is clear through his many 
accomplishments that Doug

[[Page S10884]]

has dedicated himself to public service, in and out of uniform, and to 
further the many benefits we enjoy as Americans. His actions 
consistently reflect a true leader who has served with courage and 
commitment.
  As Doug departs from public service I ask my colleagues to join with 
me in delivering an appreciative tribute from a grateful State and 
Nation, along with our best wishes for a rewarding retirement.

                          ____________________