[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 155 (Saturday, December 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2354-E2355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the good men and women of the Poudre Fire Authority in 
Colorado. A competitive team of their top firefighters placed third in 
the world at the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a grueling test of 
physical strength, stamina, aptitude and teamwork. Dave Minchow, Tom 
Champlin, Chad Myers, Jim Pietrangelo, and Ross Reinking earned the 
best time of any team in the United States in their astounding third 
place finish. Mark Hettinger, Brandon Garcia, and Ryan Thomas of the 
Poudre Fire Authority also placed in the top 11 teams for the relay

[[Page E2355]]

competition. Coined the toughest two minutes in the world of sports, 
these competitions brought out the best in these men, demonstrating 
their commitment, dedication and hard work. Mr. Speaker, I commend the 
Poudre Fire Authority for their award, and most importantly for their 
service and devotion to protecting the community. We can look forward 
to watching their competition on ESPN at 8:00 Eastern time on January 
2.

                          ____________________