[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 165 (Tuesday, December 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S10232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GREG HARMON

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize a public servant 
from my home State of South Dakota. Greg Harmon is retiring from the 
National Weather Service, NWS, after 37 years of Federal service, 
including the last 20 years as the meteorologist in charge of the 
National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, SD.
  During his many years at the National Weather Service, Greg always 
displayed a steadfast awareness of the effect the weather has on 
everyone. Greg began his career as a summer intern with the NWS in 
Eugene, OR, before becoming the fire weather program manager for the 
western region in Salt Lake, UT.
  During his many years at the National Weather Service, Greg always 
displayed a steadfast awareness of the impact of weather on the 
citizens of South Dakota. Greg and his staff have utilized their 
collective expertise to educate and inform South Dakotans on the 
general aspects of the weather but have also provided expert guidance 
in times of extreme weather events, from tornadoes and hail to floods 
and blizzards.
  As an example of Greg's work and leadership, I recall the events of 
May 30, 1998, when a violent tornado struck the small town of Spencer, 
SD. The event killed six residents and almost destroyed the entire 
community. Just before the tornado hit Spencer, the warning siren was 
silenced when electrical power to the community was cut off. Following 
the tornado, I initiated efforts at the Federal level to fund a weather 
radio network to cover much of South Dakota's population and geography. 
The NOAA weather radio can be the most effective warning system, but at 
the time of the Spencer event only a few larger communities had the 
system. Greg became my partner in helping to educate the general public 
on the importance of the weather radio and in helping to expand the 
communications system so that most of the State could receive the 
weather radio signal.
  During his years of public service, Greg has witnessed many changes 
in the development of weather observation and climate forecasts. His 
skills, professional attitude and dedication to his work has been a 
shining example to our community and our state. It is my hope that Greg 
leaves the National Weather Service post knowing he greatly impacted 
the lives of many people by the protection of life and property during 
adverse weather conditions.
  I wish Greg all the best in his retirement.

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