[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 35 (Thursday, March 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN MEMORY OF CROSWELL FIRE CHIEF THOMAS A. DICKENSHEETS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2010

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to 
honor and remember the life of Thomas A. Dickensheets. Sadly, at just 
the age of 55 years old, he unexpectedly died on Sunday, March 7th, 
2010. I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, 
friends and colleagues from the City of Croswell. I know this is an 
extremely difficult time as they mourn his passing, but hopefully they 
can find comfort and solace and eventually start the healing process.
  Tom was a loyal and dedicated employee for the City of Croswell. He 
served his community with great pride and enthusiasm while performing 
numerous functions in many different capacities. He worked for the 
Croswell Department of Public Works (DPW) for 25 years, serving as the 
Superintendent for 11 years as well as the City's Zoning Administrator 
and Cemetery Sexton.
  In addition, he achieved 34 years of service as a Volunteer Fireman 
and was the Chief for the past 22 years. His knowledge, expertise, and 
commitment to the safety and security of this community will be 
significantly missed. He dedicated his life to protecting property and 
saving lives. Instead of running away from a threat, Chief Dickensheets 
hurried to the firehouse to throw on his gear and race towards the 
emergency and danger that awaited him. That is an admirable 
characteristic that many would not choose to pursue on a daily basis 
and as a profession. There is no doubt his impeccable integrity has 
created a void throughout Sanilac County, the 10th Congressional 
District and the State of Michigan. He truly was an outstanding person.
  Chief Dickensheets' life demonstrates a consistent pattern of going 
above and beyond the required call of duty. He served his community 
through numerous roles such as the City of Croswell Emergency 
Management, Sanilac County 911 Committee Member, and President of the 
Sanilac County Firemen's Association, President of the Sanilac County 
Police Firemen Field Day Association, Regional Homeland Security 
Committee Member, and a Sanilac County Fire Training Committee Member. 
These are just some of the leadership roles Tom pursued during his 
tenure with the city.
  I cannot imagine how heart-breaking this time is for the family of 
Mr. Dickensheets and the City of Croswell. Tom was an inspirational 
leader and a wonderful man. He loved his family, community and country 
very much. He always strived to improve the world around him and the 
fire department he served so proudly. Without question, he will be 
severely missed but definitely not forgotten.
  In closing, it is an honor to have an opportunity to recognize his 
lifetime of achievements and offer my sincere gratitude and thanks for 
his service. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who knew 
Chief Dickensheets. May he rest in peace and receive eternal rest.

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