[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             LONG ISLAND FIREFIGHTERS DESERVE OUR GRATITUDE

                                 ______


                            HON. RICK LAZIO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 1995
  Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Long Island's 
brave men and women volunteer firefighters for risking their lives to 
battle and extinguish two raging brush fires in Rocky Point and 
Westhampton, NY during the week of August 21. We owe a special debt to 
these courageous firefighters for their outstanding efforts in 
safeguarding the lives and properties of these East End communities.
  Volunteer firefighters from many communities answered the call to 
duty. For the most part, they came from Suffolk and Nassau Counties on 
Long Island to battle enormous windswept brush fires that affected 
approximately 3,000 woodland acres in Rocky Point and 6,000 acres in 
Westhampton. What is truly amazing is the fires, although devastating 
to eastern Long Island's precious pine barrens, were contained and 
controlled without loss of life.
  After fighting a swift-moving brush fire in Rocky Point, Long 
Island's firefighters, with little rest, once again became the first 
line of defense and confronted the searing blaze raging in Westhampton. 
They demonstrated that they can always be counted on to respond quickly 
in emergency situations, even if it means putting their lives in 
jeopardy.
  Long Island's volunteers risked their lives under extreme conditions 
and carried out their firefighting duties with honor and distinction. 
While the fires did not directly touch my western Suffolk County 
congressional district--New York's 2d District--volunteers from every 
fire department in my district responded to the need. They are true 
professionals who never waver in answering the call to protect Long 
Island's communities from harm. Their dedication to duty is an 
outstanding reflection of the communities they serve.
  While Long Island's brave volunteer firefighters can never be repaid 
for their devotion to duty, we can and should acknowledge their 
commitment by our continued support of their firefighting efforts. They 
performed well above and beyond the call of duty.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Long Island's firefighters and especially 
proud of those from New York's 2d Congressional District. I hope my 
colleagues will join me in applauding each and every one of them for 
carrying out their work with unflinching resolve. Their sacrifices have 
earned them our deepest gratitude.


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