[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 132 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JOHN ``MIKE'' CROTEAU

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I would like to congratulate 
Mr. John ``Mike'' Croteau of Newbury, NH, on his retirement from the 
Newbury Fire Department after a remarkable 75 years of service.
  Mike's father, George, was a long-time member and chief of the 
Newbury Fire Department, and in 1945, 15-year-old Mike, joined the 
department too. At first, Mike helped put out brush fires caused by 
trains that ran from Boston to Newbury Station. When Mike was 18, he 
fought the fire on Mount Sunapee that claimed 1,700 acres. Hundreds of 
firefighters worked for 7 days straight to battle the fast-moving fire 
during one of the worst fire seasons ever recorded in New Hampshire 
history.
  Beyond his work at the fire department, Mike was an engineer for the 
New Hampshire Department of Transportation for 33 years, and the Town 
of Newbury often called upon his expertise for site work and design. 
While working for the State, he continued to serve the fire department, 
serving as the fire chief, as well as forest fire warden.
  Mike has dedicated many hours of his time to the Newbury Fire 
Department in addition to firefighting by helping with fundraising 
efforts, including the annual bingo nights and auctions. His dedication 
to his community also went beyond his exemplary fire department 
service; he also volunteered for many town groups, boards, and 
activities and has always stepped up when something needs to be done.
  In 2012, Governor John Lynch commended Mike for 67 years of service 
as a firefighter, and in 2015, he received the Fire Service Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Police, Fire, and EMS 
Foundation.
  Mike's commitment to his community and the Newbury Fire Department is 
a shining example of the spirit of New Hampshire, and he serves as a 
role model for all Granite Staters. He has been a critical part of the 
department for 75 years, and he has put himself at risk day after day 
to protect his fellow citizens. His town, State, and country are better 
because of his dedicated efforts.
  I hope you will join me in honoring an exemplary Granite Stater, Mike 
Croteau.

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