AR22,,112023 ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 22 November 13, 2023 - Introduced by Representative Krug. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AR22,,22Relating to: recognizing and commending the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139 and its staff at the Coloma Training Center for their role in fighting the Pallet Fire. AR22,,33Whereas, on July 10, 2023, a severe wildfire engulfed over 800 acres of land in Waushara County; and AR22,,44Whereas, the fire was centered near Coloma and consumed 830 acres of land, three homes, 17 smaller structures, and numerous vehicles and items of equipment; and AR22,,55Whereas, the fire required a response from 30 fire departments, including fire departments in Wisconsin Rapids, Grand Rapids, Nekoosa, Rudolph, Pittsville, Plainfield, and Westfield, with eight firefighters requiring medical attention; and AR22,,66Whereas, soon after the fire began, local officials requested assistance from the staff at the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139 Coloma Training Center; and AR22,,77Whereas, the Operating Engineers responded immediately with staff and equipment to fight the fire, and with great efficiency and considerable courage they sent 14 staff to operate six bulldozers and two water trucks; and AR22,,88Whereas, the heroic efforts of the Operating Engineers contributed greatly to the successful suppression of the fire and thus limiting the damage the fire would cause, thereby preserving the life, health, and property of many in the area of the fire; and AR22,,99Whereas, the Local 139 training facility itself would have been a complete loss without the assistance of the staff’s hard work and selfless actions; and AR22,,1010Whereas, staff from the training center who assisted in the effort included Local 139 Vice President and Training Director Dan Sperberg, as well as training center staff Mike Burt, Bob Cayer, Matthew Faldet, Kip Gutke, Joseph Handschke, Joseph Krempp, Todd Liebelt, Frank Meating, Chris Rachel, Dennis Sperberg, Kyle Sperberg, John Stoneberg, and Frank Zenz; now, therefore, be it AR22,,1111Resolved by the assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin State Assembly recognize and commend Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139 and its staff at the Coloma Training Center for their role in fighting the Pallet Fire, thereby helping to save the life, health, and property of those affected.
