[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 154 (Thursday, November 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE MIAMI-DADE FIRE AND RESCUE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 1999

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
Miami-Dade County Fire and Rescue team for their efforts and 
contributions in international disaster responses.
  The team was created in 1985 to respond with search and rescue 
efforts following the earthquake that rocked Mexico City. Since then, 
the team has been called upon for disaster assistance throughout the 
world including Armenia, the Philippines, and El Salvador. They have 
also responded to emergencies closer to home including the bombing of 
the Federal building in Oklahoma City, Hurricane George, and Hurricane 
Mitch. Most recently the Miami-Dade County Fire and Rescue Team has 
assisted in earthquake disaster relief in Turkey and in Taipei, Taiwan.
  The Miami-Dade County Fire and Rescue Team has specialized equipment 
and K-9 units trained to find people trapped in collapsed buildings. 
Their technical response team members are experts in vehicle 
extrication, confined space rescue, and rope rescue. Additionally, 
their department maintains a mass casualty bus and mobile command 
vehicle for large scale incident response.
  The contributions of the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Team to the 
humanitarian relief community are invaluable. I know the House will 
join me in paying tribute to this outstanding team of people and wish 
them continued success in their endeavors.

                          ____________________