[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JOHN CARTER, FIREFIGHTER

  (Mrs. MORELLA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to John M. Carter, a 
firefighter in the District of Columbia who died last month in the line 
of duty. John Carter was a hometown hero, one of a special breed of men 
who put his life on the line on a constant basis to protect his 
community. He was the son of a retired Montgomery County, MD, fire 
chief, and the brother and brother-in-law of two D.C. firefighters. The 
Washington Post called him ``one of a special breed of heroes that the 
District of Columbia is fortunate to have on its side.''
  John Carter routinely faced the searing heat, choking smoke, clouds 
of toxic chemicals, and hazardous traffic conditions. He was a First 
Battalion sergeant who was the first to go into the burning building at 
Fourth and Kennedy Streets, Northwest. This was typical for John 
Carter, who is a 15-year veteran firefighter. When the roof collapsed, 
John Carter was trapped inside, and it was impossible to escape to 
safety. John Carter's death at age 38 in the line of duty was a 
tragedy. He is one of those unsung heroes who provides the highest 
quality of service to our citizens.
  I rise to pay tribute to him, his brave family, his wife Deborah, and 
his son Brian. They deserve the highest recognition for their courage, 
commitment, and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of all of us.

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