[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17321]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO ROBERT HARTWIG OF ZEPHYRHILLS, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Robert Hartwig, the Zephyrhills Fire Chief who recently retired 
following 32 years of service. Chief Hartwig began his career in 1974 
as the first paid firefighter with the Zephyrhills Fire Department, and 
then rose through the ranks to become a driver engineer, captain, 
assistant chief and finally chief in 1983.
  Chief Hartwig was instrumental in the construction of a second fire 
station. The new station included administrative offices and doubled 
the size of the department. He helped secure various grants to enhance 
the department's functionality and offset the city's budget. Chief 
Hartwig also entered into a joint venture between the city and Florida 
Hospital of Zephyrhills to initiate a Wellness/Fitness Program for all 
Zephyrhills fire rescue personnel.
  Holding an A.A. degree from Hillsborough Community College, Chief 
Hartwig achieved the difficult Smoke Diver's Certification. In his 
spare time, he has been involved with many clubs and organizations, 
including: President of the East Pasco Soccer Youth League, President 
of the Kiwanis Club, youth baseball coach, youth soccer coach, board 
member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of International Association 
of Fire Chiefs, member of Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, member of 
Pasco Hernando Fire Chiefs' Association, member of Florida Fire 
Marshals' Association and was an instructor at the Florida State Fire 
College.
  Chief Hartwig will spend his retirement years pursuing his first 
love; home remodeling. Learning the construction trade by working side-
by-side with his father, he eventually created his own home remodeling 
business, ``The House Doctor.'' He also loves Alaska and has spent 
extensive time there commercial salmon fishing. Chief Hartwig has a 
grown son, Jeff, a grown daughter, Amy, and one grandchild.
  The entire Zephyrhills community can be proud of the work that Chief 
Hartwig has accomplished during his thirty-two year tenure. A dedicated 
public servant, Robert Hartwig has earned his retirement many times 
over and should be congratulated for a job well done.

                          ____________________