[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               COMMEMORATING FALLEN FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS

  (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with our colleague, the 
gentleman from Idaho [Mr. LaRocco] on behalf of the 365 members of the 
congressional fire services caucus to honor the 14 Federal firefighters 
who lost their lives in South Canyon, CO, last week.
  The men and women we lost on July 6 represent the best of America. 
They were fathers of young children, college students, ex-military 
personnel, and they were serious and seasoned firefighters.
  Like all firefighters, they committed themselves to protecting the 
property and lives of others at the risk of their own lives.
  These men and women did not choose this career path because they knew 
it would enrich them. In fact, most earned about $8 an hour--poor 
compensation for such dangerous and important work. They chose this 
path because they loved the challenge and because they knew it would 
better the communities they served. It would protect important 
resources, and hopefully innocent lives as well.
  Madam Speaker, I know all my colleagues join me in prayer for these 
men and women and their families. Their sacrifice is only overshadowed 
by the tremendous contributions they made.
  Madam Speaker, let me read the 14 names: Bonnie Holtby, age 21; John 
Kelso, age 27; Jim Thrash, age 44; Tami Bickett, age 25; Scott Blecha, 
age 27; Levi Brinkley, age 22; Kathi Beck, age 24; Rob Johnson, age 26; 
Rob Browning, 27; Doug Dunbar, 22; Terri Hagen, 28; Don Mackey, 34; 
Roger Roth, 30; Richard Tyler, 33.
  Madam Speaker, they died too young, but they served mightily. God 
bless each and every one of them.

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