[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN TRIBUTE TO BILLY E. SHIELDS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, this past week the nation commemorated 
the bravery and heroism of firefighters who risk their lives every day 
to protect the lives and safety of others. I would like to turn my 
colleagues' attention to the accomplishments of Phoenix firefighter 
Captain Billy Shields, who is leaving the ranks of his brother and 
sister firefighters this Friday, June 30, to start a new phase of his 
life.
  When Captain Shields retires from the Phoenix Fire Department and the 
United Phoenix Firefighters Association Local 493, where he served as 
president, he will do so with a long record of accomplishments. He has 
been a stalwart advocate for his fellow firefighters, and as president 
of United Phoenix Firefighters Association, advanced improvements in 
fire health and safety standards for firefighters, ambulance and 
emergency response personnel in Arizona.
  Since 1997, Captain Shields has led the way in negotiating contracts 
for the United Phoenix Firefighters Association that protected the job 
rights of firefighters and the security of their families. He worked 
with management; city officials and other community stakeholders and 
reached a consensus to enhance fire and emergency response 
capabilities. Because of his work, Central Arizona's fire services are 
state of the art.
  It is important to recognize that Captain Shields is unique among 
union leaders in his commitment to working closely with the business 
community to improve the local economy. He was appointed to the Greater 
Phoenix Economic Council where he serves on its Executive Committee. He 
has labored to advance an economy for a new generation. He was one of 
the visionaries who helped advance the biotechnology industry in 
Arizona with the establishment of the Translational Genomics Research 
Institute, which is known to Arizonans simply as T-Gen. He partnered 
with others to improve education at all levels--preschool, primary, 
secondary and higher education. To help accommodate the explosive 
growth we are facing in Central Arizona, he has played an instrumental 
role in the development of our transportation infrastructure and the 
expansion of transportation options.
  All Arizonans who have had a chance to work with Captain Shields are 
indebted to him for his commitment to make our communities a better 
place to live, work and raise a family. I've seen this commitment first 
hand. I worked closely with him as Mayor of Tempe and as an Arizona 
State Senator, and came to rely on him as a friend and counselor. It 
has been a pleasure to work with him and I look forward to the chance 
to collaborate with him as he undertakes new challenges.
  Captain Shields, I am proud of your service. Arizona is proud of your 
service, and forever indebted to you for making our communities 
stronger, safer and more secure. Marianne joins me in wishing you and 
your family the very best in this new chapter of your life.

                          ____________________