[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 201 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         July 23, 2001.
Whereas, on July 10, 2001, 21 United States Forest Service firefighters were 
        dispatched to contain a spot fire of the Thirtymile Fire in the Okanogan 
        and Wenatchee National Forest in the Cascade Mountains of Washington 
        State;
Whereas high temperatures, low humidity, and erratic winds, combined with very 
        dry forest fuels, caused the fire to become an explosive, high-intensity 
        fire that rapidly progressed from less than 25 acres to over 2,500 acres 
        in less than 3 hours;
Whereas 14 of the firefighters were forced to deploy emergency shelters as a 
        result of being overrun by the rapidly expanding fire;
Whereas 4 of the firefighters and 2 civilians were injured in the fire, 
        including firefighter Jason Emhoff, firefighter Thomas Taylor, 
        firefighter Scott Sherzinger, and firefighter Rebecca Welch, whose 
        heroic actions saved the lives of the two civilians;
Whereas, in service to the Nation and in the line of duty to protect their 
        communities and fellow citizens, 4 firefighters lost their lives in the 
        fire; and
Whereas these 4 firefighters who lost their lives were Tom Craven of Ellensburg, 
        Washington, husband and father of two, Karen FitzPatrick of Yakima, 
        Washington, Jessica Johnson of Yakima Washington, and Devin Weaver of 
        Yakima, Washington: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors firefighters Tom Craven, Karen FitzPatrick, Jessica 
        Johnson, and Devin Weaver, who lost their lives fighting the Thirtymile 
        Fire in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, for their bravery and 
        sacrifice in service to the Nation;
            (2) extends its deepest sympathies to the families and fellow 
        firefighters of these heroes; and
            (3) reaffirms its support and commitment to America's Federal 
        firefighters who, without reservation, answer the call of duty and risk 
        their lives for the Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.