[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 76 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          DARWIN ANDERSON: INNOVATOR, FIREFIGHTER, AND FRIEND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2016

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Darwin Anderson of 
Brainerd, Minnesota. Last Saturday the tanker base at the Brainerd 
Airport was named after Darwin, who passed away February 6th 2015, to 
commemorate his 43 years of service and exceptional work as a 
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) firefighter.
   Darwin was one of the first to see the potential for using aircraft 
and a network of tanker bases throughout the state to fight wildfires. 
He was also a pioneer in utilizing a helicopter with a bucket as a tool 
for fighting wildfires. In addition to Darwin's innovations, his 
compassion and charisma have earned him the respect of his coworkers. 
His colleagues speak very highly of Darwin's supervisory skills and the 
guidance he has given them throughout their careers. Many of his peers 
attribute their own success to Darwin's mentoring.
   Leaders such as Darwin make a positive impact on others' lives and 
in their communities--so much so one of his colleagues said, ``With 
Darwin, forestry equaled family.'' His family, wife Janet, sons 
Jeffery, Ryan, Erik, and daughter Yvette gave him the support he needed 
to do such a difficult job.
   It is an honor to recognize Darwin's many accomplishments, and I 
know my colleagues will join me in thanking Darwin for his leadership, 
innovation, and many years of dedicated service to our state.

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