[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1639-E1640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO ROBERT HARTWIG OF ZEPHYRHILLS, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Robert Hartwig, the Zephyrhills Fire Chief who recently retired 
following 32 years of service. Chief Hartwig began his career in 1974 
as the first paid firefighter with the Zephyrhills Fire Department, and 
then rose through the ranks to become a driver engineer, captain, 
assistant chief and finally chief in 1983.
  Chief Hartwig was instrumental in the construction of a second fire 
station. The new station included administrative offices and doubled 
the size of the department. He helped secure various grants to enhance 
the department's functionality and offset the city's budget. Chief 
Hartwig also entered into a joint venture between the city and Florida 
Hospital of Zephyrhills to initiate a Wellness/Fitness Program for all 
Zephyrhills fire rescue personnel.
  Holding an A.A. degree from Hillsborough Community College, Chief 
Hartwig achieved

[[Page E1640]]

the difficult Smoke Diver's Certification. In his spare time, he has 
been involved with many clubs and organizations, including: President 
of the East Pasco Soccer Youth League, President of the Kiwanis Club, 
youth baseball coach, youth soccer coach, board member of the Chamber 
of Commerce, member of International Association of Fire Chiefs, member 
of Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, member of Pasco Hernando Fire 
Chiefs' Association, member of Florida Fire Marshals' Association and 
was an instructor at the Florida State Fire College.
  Chief Hartwig will spend his retirement years pursuing his first 
love; home remodeling. Learning the construction trade by working side-
by-side with his father, he eventually created his own home remodeling 
business, ``The House Doctor.'' He also loves Alaska and has spent 
extensive time there commercial salmon fishing. Chief Hartwig has a 
grown son, Jeff, a grown daughter, Amy, and one grandchild.
  The entire Zephyrhills community can be proud of the work that Chief 
Hartwig has accomplished during his thirty-two year tenure. A dedicated 
public servant, Robert Hartwig has earned his retirement many times 
over and should be congratulated for a job well done.

                          ____________________