[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 99 (Friday, July 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BRUCE RODEWALD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2004

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, over 33 years ago, Bruce Rodewald joined the 
Arlington Heights Fire Department located in my Congressional District. 
Thirteen years later he accepted the title of Fire Chief and for the 
last 20 years he has led the department with the highest distinction 
and honor.
  Chief Rodewald comes from a long lineage of firefighters and 
community leaders. Both his father and grandfather served in the 
Arlington Heights Fire Department. His son also serves as a firefighter 
and paramedic in a neighboring town.
  During his tenure as Fire Chief, the village of Arlington Heights' 
Class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating was upgraded to an ISO 
I rating. This is the highest ranking given for a municipality's fire 
protection services. Arlington Heights is one of only about 40 fire 
departments in the county to have received this outstanding 
distinction.
  Mr. Rodewald's dedication to his department and the village of 
Arlington Heights is unequaled. He had originally planned on retiring 
from the department in 2001. However, after the September 11th attacks, 
Chief Rodewald decided to forgo his retirement and continue his 
service. For the last 3 years he has dedicated himself to the 
reorganization of the Arlington Heights Fire Department to reflect the 
heightened levels of awareness and preparedness necessary in the post 
9/11 world.
  In his years of service, Fire Chief Bruce Rodewald has led the 
Arlington Heights Fire Department with the professionalism and 
dedication required of a community leader. The Department he leaves 
behind is one of the most well-prepared and trained in the Nation. 
Chief Rodewald's tenure in the Arlington Heights Fire Department is 
worthy of the highest commendation. I wish him much happiness in 
retirement and offer him and his family my sincerest thanks and 
appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in 
recognizing this extraordinary individual.

                          ____________________