[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 44 (Thursday, March 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ``FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS ACT OF 2001''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2001

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Fallen 
Firefighters Act of 2001.'' This legislation serves as a remembrance to 
the heroic men and women who have died in the line of duty by requiring 
the American flag on all federal buildings be lowered to half-staff one 
day each year on the observance of the National fallen Firefighters 
Memorial Service.
  Nearly 1.2 million men and women serve our country as fire and 
emergency services personnel. Approximately one-third suffer 
debilitating injuries each year making it one of the most dangerous 
jobs in America. Furthermore approximately 100 men and women die in the 
line of duty every year--many are volunteers. Since 1981 every state in 
America, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have lost 
firefighters serving in the line of duty.
  In 1990, Congress designated the national monument in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland to serve as the official memorial to all fallen firefighters. 
Since 1981, the names of 2,077 fallen fire heroes have been added to 
the Roll of Honor. This year, the name of Arnold Blakenship, Jr., of 
Greenwood Delaware, will be placed on the 2000 memorial plaque along 
with 85 other firefighters. Sadly Mr. Blakenship is not the first 
firefighter in Delaware to be memorialized.
  Lowering the flag on federal buildings one day a year will remind all 
Americans of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire 
and emergency services personnel. These men and women work tirelessly 
to protect and preserve the lives and property of their fellow 
citizens. Through this legislation, we can show our support and respect 
for America's fire heroes and those who carry on the noble tradition of 
service.
  We must always remember the contributions of all of our public safety 
officers. In 1962, Congress passed a Joint Resolution honoring 
America's peace officers who died in the line of duty in recognition of 
their dedicated service to their communities. Today, we take the first 
step in bestowing the same respect on the 1.2 million fire and 
emergency services personnel who also serve as public safety officers. 
I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation and recognize these 
heroic men and women.

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