[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO AUGUST SCHAEFER

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, on February 28, 2014, August Schaefer, 
better known as Gus, stepped down from his post as chief safety officer 
of Underwriters Laboratories, after dedicating 41 years to the company.
  Underwriters Laboratories is an independent safety certification 
organization that tests products, conducts factory inspections, and 
writes standards for safety. Gus has served in many leadership roles 
during his time at UL, but in all capacities he has been dedicated to 
promoting public safety.
  Under his leadership, UL launched the Firefighter Safety Research 
Institute which works to provide first responders and firefighters with 
additional information on burning buildings and the behavior of 
specific materials in fires.
  In 2012, Mr. Schaefer shared his expertise on the safety and 
effectiveness of flame retardant chemicals as he testified before the 
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General 
Government. His testimony on the effectiveness of flame retardant 
chemicals and furniture flammability standards was a significant 
contribution to the hearing.
  Mr. Schaefer also worked to have UL, as part of a partnership with 
Disney, bring safety education campaigns to children all over the world 
through the Safety Smart Ambassador Program. The program's video 
campaign educates children on fire safety, personal safety, water 
safety, health, environmental protection, and online safety.
  UL, under his guidance, expanded its operations overseas. In response 
to a growing number of imports, UL has increased its presence in Asia, 
where it tests products intended for consumers in the United States. UL 
also has expanded its safety outreach to India, establishing an annual 
Road Safety Council where fire officials work to solve challenges in a 
developing nation.
  Mr. Schaefer's service in Illinois is felt well beyond product safety 
and testing. Under his leadership, UL established annual Living the 
Mission Celebrations, which encourage UL staff to spend a day 
volunteering in the community.
  Gus Schaefer's leadership at UL has made the world a better--and 
safer-- place. When we use products approved by Underwriters Labs, we 
thank Gus Schaefer. I thank him for his many years of service and wish 
him the best in his retirement.

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