[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN TRIBUTE TO FIRE FIGHTER JOSEPH DUPEE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I sadly rise today in tribute to one of my 
community's heros, Joseph Dupee. A loving father, devoted husband, a 
Christian servant, and protector of communities are all fitting 
descriptions of Joseph Dupee. Unfortunately, I rise today because 
Joseph Dupee paid the ultimate price of duty in service to his 
community, in his life. On March 8, 1998, Captain Joseph Dupee died in 
the line of duty. His colleagues all admit that no other honor is more 
befitting a fire fighter than to give your life to save another.
  However, today is not a day to remember Joseph Dupee's death, but 
rather one to remember his life. And what a life it was, Mr. Speaker. 
Born February 25, 1960 in Burbank, CA, Joseph Charles Dupee was one of 
six children of Anna Shaffer. He grew up in Simi Valley and graduated 
from Simi Valley High School. As early as ten years old, Joe knew he 
wanted to be a fireman and was ``hanging out'' at his local station. In 
1977, he fulfilled his dream by joining the Ventura Fire Department as 
a volunteer cadet. In 1981, he graduated from the drill tower and 
officially began a distinguished 17-year career with the Los Angeles 
Fire Department. In 1986, Joe was promoted to engineer and served in 
that position for ten years.
  While as impressive as his stellar performance was in his career, his 
personal life was incomplete until he met the love of his life, Julie, 
in April of 1991. Through Julie's inspiration, Joe became a disciple of 
our Lord and joined the Grace Community Church later that very year. 
After a two year courtship, the two were married and later blessed with 
two wonderful sons, Lucas Joseph and Caleb Benjamin.
  Joe continued to serve the Lord through many avenues, including 
driving a bus for the handicapped to attend church, playing guitar for 
Bible study, and general ministry. His faith was so strong that he was 
overheard telling a friend after a fellow fireman had fallen in the 
line of duty that he had no fear of death for the Lord has better plans 
for us all.
  While our community has lost a hero, father, husband, leader, and 
friend, heaven has gained a trusted ally. We will miss Joe and the hard 
work that exemplified his performance, but we applaud him for the work 
that he did in service to his community. To his wife, Julie, and his 
two sons, Lucas and Caleb, we hope that you may find peace in knowing 
the appreciation your community has for Joe's devotion to us.
  Let me end, Mr. Speaker, with the Fire Fighters Prayer:

     When called to duty
     Wherever flames may rage
     Give me strength to save a life
     Whatever their age.

     Help me embrace a child
     Before it is too late
     To save an older person
     From the horror of that fate

     Enable me to be alert and
     Hear the weakest shout,
     To quickly and efficiently
     Put that fire out

     I want to fill my calling
     And give the best in me
     To guard my every neighbor
     And protect his property

     If according to your will
     I must lose my life . . .
     Oh bless with your protecting hand
     My children and my wife.

     

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