[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11600]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF TOM CLEWELL

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of Tom Clewell to Sparks, NV. After serving the city of Sparks for more 
than 36 years, Tom retired from his 3-year post as fire chief on May 4, 
2007.
  Tom is a native Nevadan, attending school in Reno and raising a 
family in Sparks. He joined the Sparks Fire Department as a temporary 
firefighter in April 1971, and eventually climbed the ranks to become 
the city's 10th fire chief in its history. He served in many roles 
throughout his time with the Sparks Fire Department including operator, 
captain, battalion chief, and division chief.
  Throughout his 36 years, Tom led the fire department through many 
changes in Sparks. For example, Tom reorganized the department creating 
four division chiefs. Tom also encouraged greater training of 
firefighters in Sparks. He also managed the rapid growth surrounding 
Sparks and introduced fire prevention measures as housing developments 
began heading toward the foothills.
  Upon his retirement, the city manager of Sparks said, ``Tom has been 
one of the greatest leaders I have ever been associated with.'' That 
quote speaks volumes about Tom's leadership. I have known Tom for many 
years. His professional accomplishments are numerous, but I think Tom 
would likely describe his family as his greatest honor. He is the proud 
father to Angela and Lindsey. He shares in this joy with his wife 
Francine.
  I am privileged to have the opportunity to honor Tom Clewell before 
the United States Senate today. I am certain that in his retirement Tom 
will continue to serve the citizens of Sparks with the dedication he 
has shown over the past 36 years and I wish him well on his future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________