[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 14, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S287-S288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO STEVE YOUNG

 Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Steve Young, the National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, 
who passed away on January 9, 2002. One of the most rewarding things 
about serving in the government is having the opportunity to meet some 
very special people, and Steve was one of them. Every so often in life 
a person is fortunate enough to cross paths with someone who makes them 
feel good about being in their presence, someone who is caring, 
genuine, sincere and who brings a special life to the lives of others. 
That was Steve Young and I feel blessed to have known him. Steve, a 
native of Upper Sandusky, OH and graduate of upper Sandusky High 
School, is survived by his wife, Denise; his two sons, Steven David and 
Staten Daniel; ;his three sisters Gloria Steurer, Kay Baker, and 
Deborah Smith and his mother, Lillian Heffelfinger.
  Serving as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, F.O.P., for 26 
years, Steve dedicated his life and career to law enforcement. His 
distinguished membership included eleven years as

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President of the Ohio State lodge, four years as National Vice 
President, and 17 months as National President.
  Steve's understanding of the rigorous demands placed on law 
enforcement officers who protect our citizens each and every day made 
him an extremely effective and well-respected leader. His innovative 
leadership style produced a list of accomplishments that set a new 
standard for success.
  During his career, Steve helped to create the Ohio Labor Council, 
with more than 8,000 members, to improve the effectiveness of labor-
management negotiations within police forces. Remarkably, fourteen 
States across our Nation are using this methodology as a model for 
improving labor-management relations. He also implemented the Critical 
Incident Response program, to rapidly assist officers psychologically 
damaged in the line of duty, a program that has been implemented across 
the country.
  It came as no surprise that Steve's numerous accomplishments led to 
his overwhelming election as the National President of the F.O.P. in 
August 2001. During his tenure, Steve's enthusiasm, spirit, and love of 
law enforcement never diminished. In fact, he continued to dedicate his 
career to the citizens of Ohio serving as Lieutenant in the Marion City 
Police Department, until his passing.
  One would not know by looking at his achievements, but his term as 
President of the F.O.P. was all too brief. Under his Presidency, the 
F.O.P. developed a close relationship with the Bush Administration, 
which led to Steve's appointment to the Homeland Security Advisory 
Council. Thanks to Steve, the F.O.P. will now play an important role in 
the transition as the various law enforcement agencies are folded into 
the new Department of Homeland Security.
  Under Steve's presidency and at the request of the Administration, 
the F.O.P. was asked to serve as a Charter member of the National 
Citizens Corps Council. This group is dedicated to bringing together 
national leaders from first responder groups, emergency management 
agencies, volunteer service organizations, State and local governments, 
and the private sector in an effort to engage citizens in homeland 
security and promote community and family safety practices across the 
country.
  Recognizing the importance of family and the commitment that law 
enforcement officers make each day, Steve worked with Secretary Elaine 
Chao to obtain a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor so 
that the F.O.P. could design and administer a scholarship program for 
the spouses of fallen officers.
  It is evident that Steve Young served our country and his community 
with honor, courage, and distinction. However, in times of great loss, 
words often fail to comfort the anguish loved ones feel for their 
departed. I can only hope that the entire Young family will find solace 
in the thoughts and prayers of loved ones, friends, and the countless 
other lives that Steve touched.
  May God bless Steve Young and his entire family.

                          ____________________