[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 TO HONOR THE THIRTEEN FIREFIGHTERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE BOWEN-
                              MERRILL FIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 13 
dedicated Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters who lost their 
lives while bravely and courageously battling a horrific fire at the 
Bowen-Merrill book house.
  The fire started at 3:08 PM on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1890. 
Shortly after the fire began, great streams of fire could be seen 
shooting from the bookstore located at 16-18 West Washington Street in 
downtown Indianapolis. To keep the fire from spreading to valuable 
properties located on Meridian and Illinois Streets, a monumental 
effort was made to contain the fire.
  Eighty-six firefighters battled the giant blaze. Thirteen 
firefighters lost their lives when the roof to the building collapsed. 
Posthumously, tributes were extended to: Thomas Black, John Burkhart, 
Andrew Cherry, George Faulkner, Ulysses Glazier, George Glenn, Albert 
Hoffman, William Jones, David Lowry, B.F. Plummer, Epsy Stormer, 
Anthony Voltz, and Henry Woodruff.
  On August 13, 1999, the Indianapolis Fire Department paid tribute to 
their fallen comrades. The clouds rolling through the skies of downtown 
Indianapolis purposely seemed to keep clear of the area directly above 
the tribute ceremony. There is no doubt that the 13 fallen heroes had a 
clear view of the tremendous respect and appreciation that our 
community has for their sacrifice.
  As we approach the twilight of the 20th Century it is abundantly 
clear that their faithful commitment to duty exemplifies the spirit of 
the men and women of the Indianapolis Fire Department who heroically 
serve our community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting as we prepare to cross the threshold of 
the 21st Century that we remember and honor those who selflessly lost 
their lives at the end of the 19th Century.

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