[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE

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                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 1999

  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Taylor 
County Fire Rescue Department, for their courage and devotion in the 
face of disaster.
  This past summer, the Florida Gas Transmission Company's Perry Gas 
Compressor exploded. Flames raged for nearly seven hours, injuring five 
people and leveling six homes in the area. Taylor County Fire Rescue 
responded first, with firefighters from other areas offering 
assistance.
  Taylor County Rescue Chief Ashley Newell, firefighter Lt. Peter 
Bishop, firefighter Danny Hunter and volunteer Sonny Buckhalter 
demonstrated considerable courage under pressure. While fighting the 
fire from the first explosion, a secondary explosion caught the men off 
guard, trapping them near advancing flames. Only hasty action on their 
part prevented injuries from becoming fatalities. Their quick decisions 
saved the lives of several citizens and averted extensive property 
damage.
  Mr. Speaker, It is with great honor that I pay tribute to Taylor 
County Fire Rescue Department. By placing their lives in danger, these 
firefighters have shown great courage and devotion to the protection of 
their community.




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