[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11849]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING CHIEF STEPHEN SAVAGE

  Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful 
man, Stephen Savage, the chief of the Plaistow Police Department, who 
passed away on Friday after a 3-year battle with cancer. We are deeply 
saddened by the loss of Chief Savage, a beloved member of the Plaistow 
community, who dedicated his life to serving his fellow citizens.
  For Steve, family came first. He was a devoted father, husband, and 
brother. We hold his wife Kristin and their sons Billy and Michael in 
our hearts, and we will keep them in our prayers. We share in their 
grief and we will be there to support and comfort them during the 
difficult weeks ahead.
  From a young age Steve was called to serve, and he answered that 
call. After graduating from Stevens High School in Claremont, NH, in 
1965, he enlisted in the Air Force and served our country in Vietnam. 
He obtained the rank of sergeant and earned several commendations for 
his military service. Steve was a very patriotic person.
  After returning from Vietnam, Steve went on to earn a degree in 
criminal justice from Northeastern University. He joined the Newport, 
NH, police department in 1969. That was the beginning of an exceptional 
career in law enforcement which would span more than 40 years--
including positions with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 
Baltimore, MD, Police Department.
  After coming home to his beloved State of New Hampshire in 1977, 
Steve was named chief of police in Haverhill, NH. He served as police 
chief in Haverhill until 1986, when he was appointed police chief in 
Plaistow, NH. Steve served as police chief in Plaistow for 28 years. He 
was the longest serving police chief in Plaistow's history.
  In Plaistow Steve was a friend to all and was a constant presence at 
the local ballfield where he coached baseball and volunteered his time 
with Friends of Plaistow Recreation.
  In addition to all of his responsibilities as police chief, Steve was 
a highly respected leader in our State's law enforcement community. He 
served as past president of the New Hampshire Chiefs of Police 
Association, where I had the privilege of working with him when I was 
attorney general. He served as president of the Rockingham County 
Chiefs of Police Association and as a member of many law enforcement 
organizations.
  Steve was a great leader, and he was so well respected by all members 
of law enforcement throughout New Hampshire. His talent, dedication, 
and expertise helped set a gold standard of excellence for New 
Hampshire law enforcement. In a fitting tribute just a few weeks ago, 
the Plaistow Police Department named its tactical training center in 
Steve's honor, ensuring that his legacy will not be forgotten by the 
people of Plaistow or the people of New Hampshire.
  He touched so many lives during his distinguished career, and one of 
them was mine. I had the privilege of getting to know Steve, Kristin, 
and his family when I served as attorney general for the State of New 
Hampshire.
  Steve was such a kind, compassionate person and devoted to serving 
others. He was a man with a big heart. He had a vibrant personality 
that would light up a room and a great sense of humor that never faded 
despite his diagnosis. I was so proud to call Steve Savage my friend. I 
feel fortunate to have known him, and I will treasure our friendship 
always.
  There is so much I admired about Steve Savage. He worked tirelessly 
to keep his community safe. When he was diagnosed with cancer 3 years 
ago, he didn't let up. He just kept going, spending every moment he 
could with his family while also continuing to lead the police 
department and taking part in the community activities he enjoyed. In 
fact, in May he served as grand marshal for the Plaistow's Memorial Day 
parade.
  Steve and his family--and particularly his wife Kristin--faced his 
illness with such inspiring courage. As we know, cancer hits so many 
people. They found a way to turn what was a tragedy in their family 
into a good cause to help others. The Savage family and the Pollard 
School worked together to organize the Run of the Savages, a 5K run to 
benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Center and the Jimmy Fund.
  Even in sickness Steve wanted to help others fighting the disease, a 
profound reflection of his generous and caring spirit. I know the Run 
of the Savages will continue, and I will certainly run in it again. It 
is a reflection of how much the Savage family has given back to the 
community and what an inspiration Steve's life can be for others facing 
the horrible disease of cancer.
  Steve was determined to live life to the fullest, and he did so right 
up to the very end. Our State lost a truly great public servant with 
the passing of Steve Savage, New Hampshire's law enforcement community 
lost a brother, and so many of us lost a great friend.
  The Savage family has lost a loving dad and our hearts ache for 
Kristin, Billy, and Michael. We will continue to keep them in our 
prayers and stand with them during this difficult time. They are an 
amazing family.
  Steve went beyond the call of duty in everything he did as a father, 
as a police chief, and as a friend. And because of Steve, New Hampshire 
is a better place. I feel honored to have known him. His legacy will 
live on through all of those lives he touched. We will forever honor 
his memory, and we will continue to be there to support Kristin, Billy, 
and Michael. We are just thankful that someone such as Steve Savage 
came to serve our State and has been a friend to so many of us.
  Thank you, Mr. President.


                           Order of Procedure

  I ask unanimous consent that the time in the quorum call be charged 
equally to both sides of the aisle.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Ms. AYOTTE. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. NELSON. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Hirono). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.


                       Unanimous Consent Request

  Mr. NELSON. I ask unanimous consent that I be able to display in the 
course of my speech some small bottles of liquid that will demonstrate 
what I am talking about today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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