[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE 2006 RETIREES OF THE STERLING HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, September 29, 2006, the Sterling 
Heights' Fire Fighters Union will host their Annual Dinner-Dance, 
honoring their 2006 retirees. This yearly event honors Sterling Heights 
firefighters for their dedication to their community and recognizes 
their commendable contributions to the city. I am pleased to be 
associated with this fine organization and to call many of them my 
friends.
  I rise today to pay tribute to the careers of four retiring 
firefighters.
  Kenneth Hall was appointed as a Sterling Heights firefighter on 
January 21, 1980. In November of that year, he received his Certificate 
of Completion for the Extrication and Rescue Training Program. On May 
25, 2000, he was presented with the certificate of Special U.S. Senate 
Recognition to commemorate his 20 years of service. In August of 2002 
he added to his list of accomplishments by becoming a HazMat Team 
Member. Ken has been promoted two times in his career: Lieutenant on 
March 31, 1995, and Captain on September 17, 2001. He retired on 
January 30 of this year after 26 years of dedicated service.
  Tom Lindeman was appointed as a Sterling Heights Firefighter on July 
2, 1981. As part of his service, he counseled and taught young aspiring 
firefighters in the department's Explorer's Program. In 1989 he 
received a Certificate of Appreciation from Utica Community Schools for 
his efforts in the community. In 2001 he received an associate's degree 
in Fire Science. During his career, Tom was promoted four times: FEO on 
April 20, 1992; Lieutenant on January 4, 1996; Training Instructor on 
August 22, 1996, and Chief of Training on January 11, 2003. He was 
honored by his peers, being named Firefighter of the Year twice, in 
1999 and in 2004. Tom retired last month on August 19, after 25 years 
of dedicated service.
  Dave Poterek was appointed as a Sterling Heights Firefighter on May 
21, 1979 after attending Western Michigan University. On May 4, 1981, 
he received a Police Department Citizen Citation for resuscitating a 
drowning victim. In 1984 he earned his Associates Degree in Nursing, 
and in 2004 he obtained his EMS Instructor Coordinator certificate. 
During his career he was promoted several times: Firefighter-ALS 
(Advanced Life Support) on April 18, 1992; Fire Lieutenant-ALS on July 
5, 1994; Captain in 1996, and Battalion Chief on October 31, 2003. He 
retired on June 19 of this year, after 27 years of dedicated service.

  William Riddock was appointed to the position of Probationary 
Firefighter with the Sterling Heights Fire Department on October 12, 
1981. In 1989 he received the Meritorious Unit Citation for assistance 
at a house fire, rescuing a family from their balcony. He was a member 
of the Uniform Committee and participated in numerous of the 
department's Open Houses. In addition to receiving numerous Perfect 
Attendance Awards throughout his career, Captain Riddock was promoted 
twice: Lieutenant on July 22, 1996, and Captain on January 11, 2003. 
Captain Riddock is retiring next month on October 19, after 25 years of 
dedicated service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these four 
heros, who have dedicated themselves to the community with valor, 
commitment and honor.

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