[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E908-E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      A TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM JENSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly 
remarkable individual, Firefighter William Jensen. This week William's 
years of dedication and service to his community are being recognized 
by the Valley Community Legal Foundation as he is being presented with 
the outstanding performance award from the Los Angeles County Fire 
Department.
  Bill joined the city of Glendale fire department in 1969. In his 
years in the department he has consistently brought an upbeat hard-
working attitude to his work. When off duty Bill enjoys spending time 
with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also volunteers in the 
community by maintaining the trees, shrubs, and yards for his older 
retired neighbors and friends. Nearing his own retirement Bill was 
looking forward to 1998 and spending more time with his family and 
friends when he was called to fight the Malibu-Calabasas fire.
  The date was October 22, 1996. Bill was in Corral Canyon fighting the 
brush fire when he became trapped in a firestorm. He was caught by a 
sudden wind shift and engulfed by the flames. He was rushed to a local 
hospital where surgeons doubted that he would survive the second and 
third degree burns that covered over 70 percent of his body. However, 
Bill is not only a firefighter but a fighter as well. After enduring 
numerous surgeries and blood transfusions in his 3\1/2\ months in the 
hospital, he was finally able to return home.
  Bill's incredible recovery did not come as a surprise to many of his 
coworkers, as one

[[Page E909]]

said, ``If anyone could survive something like this, it would be 
Bill.'' On February 2 Bill returned home to celebrate his birthday with 
his family, friends, and a community that has rallied around him. His 
story is remarkable and should serve as an inspiration to us all.
  Bill's heroism was recently recognized by the Glendale Fire 
Department as they honored him with the medal of valor. This week he is 
being recognized with the outstanding performance award from the Los 
Angeles County Fire Department. Truly these accolades are long overdue 
to a man who has been a model civil servant, community volunteer, and 
family man for many years. I am proud to salute Bill and his service to 
our community.

                          ____________________