[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BILL LAW

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the exemplary 
career of Goshen County Fire Warden Bill Law. Bill is retiring after 
six decades of service to Torrington, Goshen County, and the State of 
Wyoming.
  Wyoming adopted its official ethics code, known proudly as the Code 
of the West, in 2010. One of the principle tenets is ``talk less and 
say more.'' Bill Law, a humble and devoted public servant, fully 
embodies this value in everything he does. He invested time, 
experience, and effort in each of his careers, to the benefit of 
others. Bill demonstrated his capacity for leadership while serving a 
greater cause at a young age. While in high school, he enlisted in the 
Wyoming National Guard. Following his graduation in 1955, he proudly 
enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a radio technician. He served 3 years and 
was honorably discharged in 1958.
  Following his military service, Bill found other ways to invest in 
his community. He moved to Torrington, WY, in 1962 after serving 4 
years as the Yoder Fire Chief. This was the first of a long line of 
roles in fire management.
  During this time, Bill met and married the love of his life, Betty 
Korhonen Law. Bill and Betty raised two children, Alicia and Trevor. 
This year, Bill and Betty are celebrating their 60th anniversary. 
Theirs is a remarkable partnership that has endured all of life's 
challenges.
  Bill began as a firefighter with the Torrington Volunteer Fire 
Department in 1962. Though he enjoyed other successful careers, he 
remained a committed TVFD member. He often put his life on hold to 
respond to emergencies in surrounding communities. His dedication to 
fire safety is unmatched. From 1969 to 1988, Bill worked for Torrington 
radio legend Kerm Kath, owner and operator of the local KGOS and KERM 
radio stations. He worked in sales and became the station manager 
following Kerm's death in 1982. In 1991, Bill became the State provider 
relations representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. He 
worked to secure agreements with hospitals, clinics, and medical 
offices around the State. I was pleased to work with him during my time 
as an orthopedic surgeon in Casper and as a member of the Wyoming State 
Senate. Bill retired from Blue Cross in 2004 after a rewarding 16-year 
career. Shortly after retirement, the Goshen County Commission 
appointed Bill as the county fire warden. From 2004 to 2012, he served 
dual roles as the fire warden and the City of Torrington's emergency 
management coordinator. Bill organized the county's fire suppression 
and prevention efforts, including communicating with the county's 11 
fire districts and 9 fire departments.
  A natural leader, Bill served two terms on the Torrington City 
Council, from 2012 to 2020. His civic engagement also includes serving 
as a board member for both Eastern Wyoming College and the county 
chamber of commerce. Bill is a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran 
Church, where he held numerous leadership positions. Bill is a 
remarkable advocate for rural fire districts and firefighters. He spent 
many years lobbying on behalf of local and State organizations and 
agencies. In January 2023, the Wyoming Legislature recognized Bill's 
years of advocacy. Given an opportunity to comment, Bill quipped, ``I 
look at when I first put the uniform on; the first 40 (years) seemed to 
drag--I got to tell you, the last 20 (years) go in a hurry.''
  After an outstanding career in public service, I hope Bill will enjoy 
a well-earned retirement with his family. In addition to Betty, his 
legacy is celebrated by his son Trevor Law of Laramie, his daughter 
Alicia and Jeff Ayres of Lehi, UT, his granddaughter Emily Ayres, and 
great-grandchildren Mia Ayres and Drixton Ayres.
  Honest and humble, Bill is a man of great integrity. He dedicated his 
life to serving others, making his community and state better in the 
process. Though his experience and wisdom will be missed, I know he 
will continue serving as a mentor, advocate, and trusted adviser. 
Bill's nephew Chuck Kenyon, Torrington's current emergency management 
coordinator, said of Bill, ``He is the foundation that makes everything 
work.''
  Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to Bill for his 
outstanding legacy of service.

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