SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1996-8707

By Senators Snyder, Strannigan, Roach, Heavey, Goings and Spanel

     WHEREAS, Howard Vietzke began his career as a firefighter on January 23, 1956, when he joined the Spokane Fire Department; and

     WHEREAS, Vietzke worked his way up to the rank of Fire Lieutenant on September 9, 1969; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his firefighting duties, Vietzke was active in the firefighters' union and served as secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Council of Firefighters for nine years; and

     WHEREAS, Vietzke retired on January 24, 1985, after serving twenty-nine years with the Spokane Fire Department; and

     WHEREAS, Vietzke continued his efforts to secure better working conditions for his fellow firefighters as Legislative Director for the Washington State Council of Firefighters, a post he has held since November, 1981; and

     WHEREAS, In that position, Vietzke has fought to protect and improve pension provisions for LEOFF firefighters; and

     WHEREAS, Vietzke also was instrumental in bringing to the attention of lawmakers the issue of presumptive lung disease for firefighters; and

     WHEREAS, Vietzke has distinguished himself as a tireless advocate on behalf of the thousands of men and women who protect our homes and property; and

     WHEREAS, The Legislature will be losing this valued friend and ally as Vietzke has announced plans to retire from his legislative career on the first of July;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognizes Howard Vietzke for his decades of service to his fellow firefighters and commends him for his dedicated work on their behalf; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate immediately transmit a copy of this resolution to Howard Vietzke.

I, Marty Brown, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1996-8707,

adopted by the Senate March 5, 1996.

MARTY BROWN

Secretary of the Senate