[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO KEN STRAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ken Strain, 
a man dedicated to serve his community.
  Mr. Strain passed away this week while serving the community of Hemby 
Bridge, North Carolina as a volunteer fireman. His fire truck flipped 
while Mr. Strain was returning from a rescue call.
  Mr. Strain comes from a long line of firefighters. His father Bill 
and his youngest brother Darren both have served as firefighters in 
North Carolina.
  Mr. Strain is survived by his wife, Sharon and their 18-month-old son 
Kristopher. Mr. Strain kept a picture of his son in his tool box and 
often visited the fire station with Kristopher.
  Mr. Strain will be deeply missed as a member of the Hemby Bridge 
business community. He along with his colleague, close friend and 
fellow firefighter, Paul Ramsey, were partners at their business, 
Neighborhood Automotive.
  While Ken's death is tragic, I must commend his partners at the Union 
County Volunteer Fire Department for their exemplary record of safety 
and reliability. This is the first death the department has suffered in 
30 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to express my deep remorse to the family and 
friends of Mr. Ken Strain, but also honor him for his selfless service 
to his community. Mr. Strain was dedicated to his family, his job and 
his community and will be missed by all.

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