[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E680-E681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE MEMORY OF DAVID SPIRTES, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE FIRE ISLAND 
                           NATIONAL SEASHORE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David 
Spirtes, Superintendent of the Fire Island National Seashore on Long 
Island and resident of East Moriches, New York, who passed away on 
Thursday, April 15. A 31-year veteran of the National Park Service, Mr. 
Spirtes was highly respected for his fair and cooperative nature, as 
well as his strong environmental stewardship of the parks entrusted to 
his care. He was a man of integrity, noted for the respect with which 
he treated others, service to his country in the armed forces, and 
devotion to his family.
  A native of New York, David Spirtes began a long and successful 
career with the National Park Service 31 years ago. Before securing his 
first career position with the agency in 1977, he served as a seasonal 
park ranger at such prestigious parks as the Grand Canyon, Everglades, 
and White Sands National Monument. Mr. Spirtes quickly rose through the 
ranks, promoted to subdistrict ranger at Yellowstone National Park, 
then to chief ranger at

[[Page E681]]

Glacier Bay National Park. In 1994, he first acquired the rank of 
superintendent at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, and also held 
the post at Western Arctic National Parklands in Kotzebue, Alaska. 
During his years with the Park Service, Mr. Spirtes became known for 
his ability to foster cooperation between residents and other groups 
with conflicting interests without compromising the integrity of the 
natural resources under his supervision.
  In May 2003, David Spirtes brought this same professional and 
conciliatory quality to his native New York as superintendent of Fire 
Island National Seashore--a national park known both for its natural 
beauty and political sensitivity. Upon his arrival at Fire Island, Mr. 
Spirtes found a community divided over a number of issues, ranging from 
erosion to the use of vehicles on the beach. To dispel the existing 
atmosphere of contention, he quickly acquainted himself with the park, 
its residents, and other parties affiliated with its operation, 
thoughtfully weighing the priorities and agendas of each. Although he 
had been at Fire Island for less than a year, Mr. Spirtes is credited 
with mending much of the divisiveness in the community through his 
cooperative brand of leadership and willingness to listen. Mr. Spirtes 
quickly gained the respect of the Fire Island community and is often 
touted as the best superintendent in the park's history.
  During his long career, David Spirtes earned numerous awards for his 
achievements in wilderness management, assisting in the Exxon oil spill 
response, and managing search and rescue operations. In 2000, he was 
honored with the Secretary of the Interior's Meritorious Service Award. 
Mr. Spirtes graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the 
University of Pittsburgh in 1970. Prior to joining the National Park 
Service, he served as a pathfinder and infantryman with the Army's 
prestigious 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is survived by his 
wife, Kathy, their young daughter, Alexandra, two brothers, Richard and 
Peter, and sister, Judy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in honoring the memory of David Spirtes. Throughout his exemplary 
career with the National Park Service, Mr. Spirtes worked to preserve 
and promote the most important natural treasures in our nation, which 
enhanced the quality of life of countless communities and all 
Americans. Though his stewardship of Fire Island National Seashore was 
brief, his many contributions will not be forgotten by the residents of 
Fire Island and those with whom he worked. Mr. Spirtes' leadership and 
strength of character are qualities each of us should aspire to embrace 
as we carry out our professional and private endeavors.

                          ____________________