[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF DOUGLAS GILDNER'S SERVICE AS FIRE CHIEF OF THE CITY 
                              OF SOUTHGATE

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 4, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fire Chief of 
Southgate, Michigan who is retiring this month after 27 years of 
service to the Southgate Fire Department, the last six as the City's 
Fire Chief.
  Since he first started with the department in 1988, Doug has been 
known for being temperate and hard-working. These traits have earned 
him the credibility to be a consensus builder in the community and 
enabled him to navigate the department through good times as well as 
challenging times. Embodying the idea that hard work pays off, Doug has 
climbed the ranks in the department all the way to the top. Becoming 
chief in 2009, Doug's ability to build relationships with the other 
area chiefs has had a profound impact on strengthening morale and 
improving safety in the Downriver communities.
  Doug has always been a member of the community first, and that's not 
going to change. He will continue to teach young firefighters at 
Schoolcraft College, preparing new teams of heroes to keep our 
communities safe. Doug serves as an excellent role model not only for 
these students, but in his newest and most important position: 
grandfather.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Chief 
Douglas Gildner for his twenty seven years of service and his lasting 
impact on the Downriver communities. I thank him for his leadership, 
and wish him many years of happiness.

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