A TRIBUTE TO WALTER L. DEAN -- HON. BILL
SCHUETTE (Extension of Remarks - May 24, 1990)
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HON. BILL
SCHUETTE
in the
House of Representatives
THURSDAY, MAY
24, 1990
- Mr. SCHUETTE. Mr. Speaker, I
have the privilege today of commending a distinguished citizen of Michigan,
Mr. Walter L. Dean, who is retiring from the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire
Department after 50 years of dedicated service. There will be a retirement
party in his honor on June 2, 1990.
- Walt joined the Shepherd
Tri-Township Fire Department in June 1940 and has been responding to
emergency calls ever since. In January 1963 he was named chief of the
department. Under Walt's direction the department grew from 1 station with 5
trucks and 15 men to 2 stations, 10 trucks, and 35 men. Walt was named
senior fire adviser to the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department in 1983.
- During his 50 years with the
fire service Walt has been recognized with well-deserved awards for his
commitment. Walt was named Firefighter of the Year in 1981; in 1983, the
Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department named their annual award after him;
and in 1985, Walt was named Firefighter of the Year in the State of Michigan
by his peers at their annual State Firefighter Convention.
- Walt Dean's dedication to the
fire department only gives a hint as to his involvement in the community. He
served as a member of the Shepherd Village Council for almost 10 years and
as Village president for 2 of those years. Walt has also been involved in
the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival for many years, and served as its chairman
for 5 of those years. Walt is active in the Michigan United Conservation
Club [MUCC] where he serves on the board of directors. He has held many
positions for the group in the areas of parks, wildlife, hunter safety,
public access, conservation education, roadside beauty, and antilitter.
Governor Milliken presented Walt with an award for his dedication and work
on the referendum to ban throwaway bottles.
- Walt and his wife of 50 years,
Edna, received the Harold Hackett Award for volunteer contributions by MUCC
members in the State of Michigan. Walt has been active on the Isabella
County Parks and Recreation Commission for almost 20 years serving as
chairperson and vice chairperson for the commission, as well as in many
other ways. He was instrumental in obtaining park lands and has contributed
to the development of almost all the parks in Isabella County.
- Mr. Speaker, I hope my
colleagues will join me today in wishing Mr. Walter L. Dean the very best on
the occasion of his retirement. Walt Dean's dedication to the fire service
is truly an example for firefighters in the State of Michigan, and those
across this great country to admire and salute. Walt's service and
commitment to his community is deserving of distinguished recognition and
commendation.
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