[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF DANE BRITTON

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
a man who positively influenced the future of central Kansas and in the 
process touched the lives of thousands of his fellow citizens.
  It is a privilege for me to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Dane 
Britton of Ellsworth, Kansas.
  As Kansans, we are dutifully aware of our State motto, Ad Astra Per 
Aspera, which translates, ``To the Stars Through Difficulties.'' Dane 
lived this theme with passion.
  In 1975, at only 23 years of age, Dane was named Police Officer of 
the Year for Houston, Texas. Five years later, Dane returned home to 
Ellsworth to serve as president and chief executive officer of Citizens 
State Bank--representing the third generation of his family's 
leadership at the bank. At the same time, Dane stepped forward as a 
civic leader in his hometown. He was instrumental in securing 
construction and expansion of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. His 
efforts helped bring Cashco, a manufacturing firm, to the community and 
helped prevent closure of the Independent Salt Company in Kanopolis, 
Kansas. Dane also provided leadership for construction of the local 
Performing Arts Center and the Ellsworth Fire Station. As a member of 
the Ellsworth City Council, Dane led an effort to establish 911 
emergency services to the community. He also served as chairman of the 
board for Smoky Hills Public Television.
  In 1988, Dane was appointed Director of Security and Drug Enforcement 
for the U.S. Department of the Interior. In that role, he oversaw law 
enforcement responsibilities for all interior department lands--
including two presidential emergency centers. In 1992, Dane was 
selected as one of two Eisenhower Fellows and in so doing became the 
first Kansan ever chosen for this honor.
  Later, Dane moved to Salina, Kansas, where he worked as a stock 
broker and again established a leadership presence in the community. 
Dane was elected chairman of the Salina Planning Commission and served 
on the Salina Community Theater Board of Directors.
  Dane touched the lives of many people. His civic leadership was 
marked by strategic thinking, passion and a willingness to work to make 
certain that good things happen.
  ``What he did for Ellsworth was incredible,'' said Nick Slechta, 
director of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce and a longtime friend of 
Dane's. ``He was very proficient in everything he did. He put so much 
gusto into every part of his work.'' I can think of no finer tribute.
  Dane's dedication to his community, the State of Kansas and our 
country was exceptional. I join Dane's many friends and admirers in 
extending my deepest sympathies to his family during their time of 
loss.




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