UWL Chancellor Praises Firefighters in Start of Year Address - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) – Classes begin Tuesday at UW-La Crosse, and Wednesday Chancellor Joe Gow gave his all-university remarks to students, faculty and staff.

The Chancellor said he's excited to begin a new semester, and added he's thankful the University was able to successfully rebound from the fire damages sustained last year at Drake and Wittich Residence Halls.

He said the La Crosse Fire Department was instrumental in getting both dormitories operational for the 2012/2013 school year.

"I don't think they get enough credit for the stuff they do day in and day out," Gow said. "Firefighters put their lives on the line, and I want to let them know how much we appreciate that."  

Gow thanked several La Crosse firefighters, including Assistant Chief Warren Thomas, during the beginning of Wednesday's remarks.

"Disasters like this are few and far between," Thomas said. "And we want to make them even fewer and more far between. But when they happen,  the work done together between UWL and our department is just – it's inspiring. "

"It's good community work for the betterment of the city," Thomas added.