[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E57-E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO FIREFIGHTER JAMES B. WILLIAMS

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 23, 1996

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
courageous public citizen, Mr. James B. Williams, a firefighter who 
faithfully served the community of Far Rockaway for 12 years until he 
lost his life on January 5, 1996, in a raging fire. Among his 
colleagues, Mr. Williams was admired and respected as one of the best 
firefighters in New York. Many of his comrades from Ladder Company 121 
worked with him side by side for many years, often placing their trust 
in Mr. Williams to save their own lives when caught in danger. Most 
importantly, the people of Far Rockaway remember him best as a man who 
fearlessly devoted his life to saving the lives of many Queens 
residents. His remarkable record of service to the Rockaways has been 
duly recognized as he received several accolades for his bravery. These 
honors include two citations of merit in 1991 from the New York Fire 
Department's Holy Name Society for saving the life of a 43-year-old 
man, and for rescuing two young children trapped in a smoke-filled 
apartment building.
  During that windy and blustery night of January 5, Mr. Williams made 
the extra effort to search for any victims left behind in a burning 
apartment building. During this act of valor, Mr. Williams lost his 
life. Capt. John T. Rokee and Brian Gallagher, who accompanied Mr. 
Williams into the blaze, described it as a blowtorch of flames, making 
the mission especially treacherous. Yet James Williams charged on.
  Mr. Williams, killed in the line of duty at the age of 38, will be 
remembered as an American hero who made an indelible impression on 
those who witnessed his indomitable will to help others. The legacy of 
Mr. Williams' bravery on that chilly night will certainly live on among 
his family, friends, and neighbors. I offer my condolences to his wife 
and children as they proudly revere the memory of their courageous 
father and husband. He was a true leader who served our community with 
the utmost distinction. I ask my colleagues to join me and the people 
of Queens in observing a moment of silence to honor the tireless energy 
and courage of Mr. James Williams. He will live long in all of our 
hearts and minds.

[[Page E58]]


            HONORING ARTHUR T. BARBIERI ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 23, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, New Haven Democratic Town 
Chairman Arthur T. Barbieri will celebrate his 80th birthday. It is 
with great pleasure that I rise today to salute this incredible 
individual, who has contributed so much to the city of New Haven.
  Born and raised in New Haven, Arthur Barbieri began his career in 
public service in 1951, when he was elected to the position of town 
clerk. Two years later, at the age of 37, he became the youngest New 
Haven Democratic chairman ever, a position he would hold for the next 
22 years. During this time, Arthur earned a sterling reputation for his 
skill in advocating for and developing programs that would benefit the 
city. The renovation of the New Haven Coliseum, the Connecticut Tennis 
Center, and the children's hospital at Yale-New Haven are a living 
legacy to Arthur Barbieri's commitment to rejuvenating his beloved 
hometown. In 1988, after the death of Town Chairman Vincent Mauro, 
Arthur once again heeded the call of both his party and his city, and 
resumed the position of town chairman. Arthur also continues to serve 
as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, providing, as 
always, sage advice and insightful leadership.
  Arthur Barbieri has been an inspiration and a mentor to me over the 
years and also worked closely with my mother and father, Alderman and 
Alderwoman Ted and Luisa DeLauro. On a few occasions we found ourselves 
on opposite sides of an issue, but no one ever doubted his wisdom, 
leadership, and commitment to the city of New Haven. Indeed, it is 
difficult to measure the magnitude of Arthur's contributions, for he 
has played a major role in so many different projects and has guided 
the careers of so many local, State, and Federal officials, including 
President Clinton.
  It is with great pleasure that I commend Arthur T. Barbieri for a 
lifetime of achievement. I join his wife, Marion, his family, and his 
many friends in wishing Arthur a very happy 80th birthday. Arthur truly 
embodies the past, present, and future of New Haven politics, and it is 
deepest hope that we will have the benefit of his wisdom and kindness 
for many more years to come.

                          ____________________