[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1667-S1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE ROCHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the brave men and women of the Rochester Fire Department, 
whose quick thinking and willingness to put their lives on the line for 
their fellow citizens helped save the lives of three families trapped 
inside their burning apartment building.
  The fire that engulfed the apartment building on 19 Sumner Street the 
night of January 11th could have resulted in the loss of many lives. 
Instead, the families that lived there, including two very young 
children, are alive and recovering today because the men and women of 
the Rochester Fire Department risked their lives to save these 
families. We often forget just how much these courageous people risk in 
the service of others. As they go to work each and every day, 
firefighters are taking the ultimate risk so they can protect and serve 
their neighbors.
  Despite their heroic deeds, the men and women of the Rochester Fire 
Department remain humble about their amazing rescue. Ask any of them 
and they will tell you they were merely ``doing their job'', and they 
would do it again if someone else's family needed help. Their 
unselfishness, professionalism, and dedication keep all of us safe.

[[Page S1668]]

  I thank the men and women of the Rochester Fire Department for their 
bravery and hard work. It is truly an honor to serve them and all of 
the firefighters in our great state.

                          ____________________