[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2619-2620]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH HANNIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to pay 
tribute to an outstanding Coloradan who has given countless volunteer 
hours in support of the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather 
Observer Program. Joseph Hannigan of Norwood, Colorado has consistently 
contributed his time and efforts to his country by carefully collecting 
and reporting weather data for his area. It is with great respect that 
I stand to honor a man who has dedicated so much of his own time to 
such a selfless service.
  The National Weather Service collects and maintains a database of 
daily climate reports that is among the best in the world. National 
Weather Service uses the data from that record to help forecast climate 
and weather changes and issue weather warnings. The National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration also uses the data to understand and 
predict climate trends. Estimates suggest that such climate predictions 
helped prevent up to one billion dollars in damage from the devastating 
effects of El Nino in California alone.

[[Page 2620]]

  But such an extensive and accurate database cannot be created 
overnight. Our country relies on dedicated volunteers like Joseph who 
take the time to make and report their weather observations as part of 
the Cooperative Weather Observer program. The roots of the program 
reach as far back as 1644, when Reverend John Campanius Holm recorded 
the American Colonies' first known weather observations. Then, in 1891, 
the Weather Bureau tackled the challenge given them to document climate 
conditions in the United States. For over one hundred years, the 
Weather Service has called on volunteers to gather the necessary 
measurements on weather factors such as temperature and precipitation. 
With over 11,000 volunteer observers contributing over one million 
service hours, it is significant to note that the National Weather 
Service has chosen to recognize Joseph Hannigan with their most 
prestigious recognition, the John Campanius Holm Award. Considering 
Joseph's 42 years of consistent service, he is deserving of an award 
named after the very first volunteer weather observer in the American 
Colonies. -Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to praise 
Joseph Hannigan for his dedicated service to the National Weather 
Service before this body of Congress and this nation. He stands out as 
an example of the cooperative spirit that has helped make this country 
great. From his efforts, combined with the work of countless others, 
our communities enjoy the economic, recreational, and safety benefits 
that an accurate and timely weather forecast affords them. I am honored 
to extend my gratitude to Joseph and the many other volunteers for what 
they have accomplished. Keep up the good work!

                          ____________________