The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO JOHN ``MIKE'' CROTEAU” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S4504 on July 27, 2020.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JOHN ``MIKE'' CROTEAU
Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I would like to congratulate Mr. John ``Mike'' Croteau of Newbury, NH, on his retirement from the Newbury Fire Department after a remarkable 75 years of service.
Mike's father, George, was a long-time member and chief of the Newbury Fire Department, and in 1945, 15-year-old Mike, joined the department too. At first, Mike helped put out brush fires caused by trains that ran from Boston to Newbury Station. When Mike was 18, he fought the fire on Mount Sunapee that claimed 1,700 acres. Hundreds of firefighters worked for 7 days straight to battle the fast-moving fire during one of the worst fire seasons ever recorded in New Hampshire history.
Beyond his work at the fire department, Mike was an engineer for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for 33 years, and the Town of Newbury often called upon his expertise for site work and design. While working for the State, he continued to serve the fire department, serving as the fire chief, as well as forest fire warden.
Mike has dedicated many hours of his time to the Newbury Fire Department in addition to firefighting by helping with fundraising efforts, including the annual bingo nights and auctions. His dedication to his community also went beyond his exemplary fire department service; he also volunteered for many town groups, boards, and activities and has always stepped up when something needs to be done.
In 2012, Governor John Lynch commended Mike for 67 years of service as a firefighter, and in 2015, he received the Fire Service Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Police, Fire, and EMS Foundation.
Mike's commitment to his community and the Newbury Fire Department is a shining example of the spirit of New Hampshire, and he serves as a role model for all Granite Staters. He has been a critical part of the department for 75 years, and he has put himself at risk day after day to protect his fellow citizens. His town, State, and country are better because of his dedicated efforts.
I hope you will join me in honoring an exemplary Granite Stater, Mike Croteau.
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