[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 34 (Thursday, March 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO TERRY ``TED'' OLIVER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 1999

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and lament the passing of Mr. Terry ``Ted'' Oliver, a true hero and 
selfless contributor to the community of Eaton Rapids, MI.
  Mr. Oliver was assistant fire chief and a proud member of Eaton 
Rapids' volunteer fire department. His family, fellow fire fighters, 
and the community as a whole all suffered a profound loss when Ted died 
fighting a residential fire on the 19th of this past month.
  Fire fighters like Ted risk their lives each day to protect our 
lives, homes, businesses, and belongings. Ted Oliver undertook this 
duty for 33 years. During this time he developed a reputation for being 
a dedicated, selfless, mentor and friend. He was always enthusiastic 
about donating his time and energy to the fire department, but his 
contributions did not end there.
  Eaton Rapids also remembers Ted as a local humanitarian and Good 
Samaritan. He was well known as a generous neighbor who would shovel 
driveways, wash windows, and fix anything from bicycles to automobiles 
for members of the community who needed his assistance. He is survived 
by Carol, his wife of 38 years, 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and an 
entire community that mourns his loss.
  Dozens of fire trucks and hundreds of mourners attended Ted's 
February 22 memorial service to pay their respects and honor the life 
of this local hero. I myself was honored to visit the National 
Firefighters' Memorial this past Monday, where Ted's name was posted 
and the flag was lowered in his honor. Today, I rise before this 
Congress of the United States of America, to likewise honor and pay 
tribute to the life of this great and beloved citizen.
  I believe Mr. Richard Freer, Eaton Rapids' fire chief, best expressed 
the thoughts of the department and the community with the words, ``We 
can put someone in his place, but we'll never replace him.''

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