[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1698-E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF IDALOU FIREFIGHTER DAVID BUTLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I remember the life of Mr. David 
Butler, an individual who understood the meaning of dedication and 
service to his neighbors and his community. On September 19, Mr. Butler 
was doing what he did best--helping people--when he collapsed and later 
passed away.
  A firefighter with the Idalou, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department for 
23 years and Assistant Chief for 10 of those, David gave the ultimate 
gift of life to save that of another. David,

[[Page E1699]]

along with other members of the Idalou and Lorenzo Volunteer Fire 
Departments, arrived at the scene of a one-vehicle roll-over to find 
the driver trapped beneath a water truck. In an effort to free the 
driver, Assistant Chief Butler helped set up air bags to lift the truck 
off the pavement. Once the bags were inflated, he operated the controls 
to raise the truck, and the man was soon freed from the wreckage and 
transported to a local hospital. As firefighters were loading their 
equipment for the return home, David collapsed never to regain 
consciousness.
  The fire department was an extension of David's family, and he acted 
as a father to his colleagues just as he did to his own three children. 
He was the epitome of a family man; an ever-dedicated servant to his 
family, friends and community. David is a true hero, and through his 
service, he has made Idalou and our society a better place to live. I 
would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his wife and 
children and to all who had the pleasure of working with and knowing 
him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________