[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 13 (Monday, January 23, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO SEATTLE'S BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, 2 weeks ago, four Seattle firefighters 
died in the line of duty: Lt. Walter Kilgore, Lt. Gregory Shoemaker, 
and firefighters Randall Terlicker and James Brown. They are heroes in 
the truest sense of the word. Jon Gillis, president of the Seattle 
Firefighters Union, said these four men gave their lives for the 
noblest of causes, for the safety and protection of others. I join him 
in that sentiment.
  In the midst of this tragedy, the community came together to pay 
homage to these fallen firefighters. But the pain of this loss extended 
beyond Seattle: More than 10,000 firefighters, police officers, 
paramedics, and citizens from across North America and from as far away 
as Australia, came to Seattle to honor these firefighters.
  Too often, we fail to say thank you to these brave men and women who 
serve us as firefighters, police officers, and members of the Armed 
Forces. The professions they have chosen are full of risk. Seattle 
Mayor Norm Rice recently reminded us these guardians of our society 
play a special role, and, tragically, sometimes pay the ultimate price 
for their service. They are extraordinary individuals and make a real 
difference in our lives and in our communities. They are quiet heroes 
who deserve our respect, our admiration, and our gratitude.
  Their families also share the hardships and pain that come along with 
these jobs. I know because one of my brothers is a firefighter in 
Tacoma, WA, and I can tell you the danger inherent in his job is felt 
by his immediate and extended family. I would like to take this 
opportunity to personally thank the men and women, and their families, 
who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities.
  I am deeply saddened by the death of these four firefighters, and 
want to pay tribute to the sacrifice these extraordinary individuals 
have made. Lt. Walter Kilgore, Lt. Gregory Shoemaker, and firefighters 
Randall Terlicker and James Brown truly represent what is best about 
America.


                          ____________________