[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E232-E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JONATHAN NEWTON

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 1996

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, the volunteer fire service community and the 
entire State of Delaware suffered a tragic loss recently with the death 
of Jonathan Newton. Mr. Newton, at the young age of 31, was the 
consummate volunteer firefighter. At the time of the accident, he was 
en route to a fire safety program at a local middle school. It was not 
uncommon for Mr. Newton to volunteer his time and energy to programs 
that heightened public awareness about fire safety. In fact, his 
community education work earned him recognition as Firefighter of the 
Year for the Hockessin Fire Company.
  When a firefighter in Delaware suffers a tragedy, it is felt by the 
entire fire service community. They are like a family, a unique group 
of individuals who take great pride in their heritage of volunteer 
service. Friends and family members alike spoke of Mr. Newton's 
altruism, and fondness toward children, as he devoted so much of his 
time to educating them about fire safety.
  What is most tragic about Mr. Newton's death is that he leaves behind 
a family. He has a wife who is 7 months pregnant and two children--all 
of whom will always have a special place in the Delaware volunteer fire 
service family.

[[Page E233]]

  Mr. Newton's legacy of commitment and dedication as a volunteer 
firefighter will find a permanent place in the Delaware volunteer fire 
service mantra, reminding future volunteer firefighters of the 
importance of their mission. On behalf of the citizens of Delaware, I 
offer my condolences to Sharon Newton and the entire family on the 
untimely and tragic death of a true American hero, Mr. Jonathan Newton.

                          ____________________