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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
Congressional and Public Affairs
Donna Sellers (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2001 -- Peter W. DiMartino, a supervisory compliance officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Madison, Wis., was recognized for his exceptional service while working in the agency’s Detroit area office.
During a FSIS multi-district meeting in Chicago May 17, DiMartino received a unique presentation from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Chadwell when he was presented a letter from President George W. Bush, thanking him for 30 years of service with the federal government and congratulating him on his retirement June 30.
When DiMartino announced his pending retirement, the staff from the Eastern District of Michigan U.S. Attorney’s Office wanted to thank him for the many years he worked prosecuting cases with their office. "We wanted to do something to recognize him," Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Delonis, said. "We have the highest regard for him. He worked closely with members of this office, not just as a colleague, but as a friend."
Delonis presented DiMartino with a plaque from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which read: "In recognition and grateful appreciation for your many years of dedication and exemplary service to the citizens of the Eastern District of Michigan. Your substantial contributions to the safety of our community will be greatly missed as you enjoy a well-deserved retirement. The members of the United States Attorney’s Office have been honored to work with you. You have been the consummate case agent and an outstanding compliance officer."
A career FSIS employee, DiMartino served the agency as an inspector from 1971 until 1984 when he was promoted to the position of compliance officer. He held that position until 1998, when he was promoted to his current position of supervisory compliance officer.
DiMartino worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s office for more than 15 years, presenting criminal cases to that office. "He fostered a trust with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and was known for caring about consumer protection," said Fred Williams, assistant district manager for enforcement in FSIS’ Madison district office.
"Peter DiMartino was exceptionally helpful and cooperative in providing technical and legal information on compliance activities. We worked closely during a number of enforcement actions taken in Michigan, especially in metropolitan Detroit," said Linda Madson, district manager of the Madison office.
DiMartino said he felt that something needed to be done about the cases against meat producers. "I started visiting the U.S. Attorney’s Office to go over cases, and, over time established a rapport with the staff," he said. "A former U.S. Attorney said, ‘It’s not the amount of adulterated meat, but the number of people it can affect.’ "This office is one of the best performing offices in the nation in prosecuting violators," DiMartino added.
"He has been the heart and soul of the Detroit FSIS office, one of the most productive in the nation, for more than a decade. I can’t think of anyone who relished his job more than Peter. He loved being a compliance officer and his unbounded enthusiasm infected everyone around him," said Chadwell.
When asked about the letter and award, DiMartino said, he was "Overwhelmed!" "When I received them I was surprised. I’ve always thought of myself as a fair person, and everyone likes recognition, but when I got those awards, it humbled me.
"We [compliance officers] have one of the best jobs in the world," said DiMartino, "It’s a trust worthy job. I’ll miss it."
"Peter DiMartino will be greatly missed by all of us," said Madson.
DiMartino said he was reluctantly retiring for health reasons. He plans to relocate to Peoria, Ariz., with his wife Cheryl, son Peter II, 18, and daughter Christina, 16.
For Further Information, Contact:
FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs Staff
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 690-0460