[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO DENTON WAITE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denton Waite for 
his extraordinary bravery and distinguished service to our community. 
It is a great honor to recognize him as the Fire Fighter of the Year.
  Denton comes from a family of firefighters where saving lives is a 
honor-held tradition passed down from generation to generation. Every 
day for the last 16 years Denton has gone into our community fighting 
fires from South Central Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley, 
mastering high-rise fires and brush fires alike, at times putting 
himself at risk. It is for these selfless acts that our community comes 
together to honor Denton Waite.
  In addition to excelling as an apparatus operator, Denton recognizes 
when it is necessary to go beyond the call of duty to control dangerous 
situations. During the 1992 Los Angeles riots he earned the Medal of 
Valor for his quick thinking and selfless actions extinguishing a major 
fire before it blew out of control.
  It is because of Denton's heroic performances that the younger 
members of the department look up to him as a mentor. Denton utilizes 
his experience to teach other firefighters to react calmly to emergency 
situations so that they will not unnecessarily put their lives in 
danger. His experience combined with his well-crafted sense of teamwork 
undoubtedly influences younger firefighters and ultimately reflects 
well upon the Los Angeles Fire Department.
  Today I join Denton's friends, family, and the city of Reseda in 
honoring him as the Fire Fighter of the Year.

                          ____________________