[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 62 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ARSON AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT E. WISE, JR.

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 3, 1999

  Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remind all Americans and especially 
West Virginians that this week is Arson Awareness Week. As a member of 
the Congressional Fire Service Caucus, I support the efforts of the 
International Association of Arson Investigators and their West 
Virginia Chapter who will celebrate the IAAI's 50th Anniversary this 
year.
  The IAAI in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration 
educates the public about the hundreds of innocent people who die each 
year and the millions of dollars of property damage caused by the 
arsonist's match. I am proud of what the West Virginia Chapter of the 
IAAI has done to control arson. The Chapter provides advanced training 
for police, fire and insurance personnel. They also work to educate 
West Virginians about how arson affects their lives.
  The intentional burning of homes, businesses and cars has long been a 
problem. Even more outrageous was when our places of worship came under 
attack. I proudly worked with my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to 
prevent more church burnings. Through the efforts of the Congressional 
Fire Services Institute, an educational program was presented 
nationwide for church leaders. The West Virginia Chapter of the 
International Association of Arson Investigators conducted many of 
these programs.
  I am proud of my long relationship with the West Virginia Fire 
Service. I know that many of our firefighters risk their lives 
extinguishing these intentionally set blazes. That is why I will 
continue to work to prevent arson so our fire fighters won't be 
endangered. Mr. Speaker, I join with all members of Congress in 
reminding Americans that we must work together to prevent arson.

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