[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 27, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H3628-H3635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING JOHN J. DOWNING, BRIAN FAHEY, AND HARRY FORD, WHO LOST THEIR 
                    LIVES IN DUTIES AS FIREFIGHTERS

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 172) honoring John J. 
Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives in the 
course of duty as firefighters.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 172

       Whereas on June 17, 2001, 350 firefighters and numerous 
     police officers responded to a 911 call that sent them to 
     Long Island General Supply Company in Queens, New York;
       Whereas a fire and an explosion in a two-story building had 
     turned the 128-year-old, family-owned store into a heap of 
     broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass;
       Whereas all those who responded to the scene served without 
     reservation and with their personal safety on the line;
       Whereas two civilians and dozens of firefighters were 
     injured by the blaze, including firefighters Joseph Vosilla 
     and Brendan Manning who were severely injured;
       Whereas John J. Downing of Ladder Company 163, an 11-year 
     veteran of the department and resident of Port Jefferson 
     Station, and a husband and father of two, lost his life in 
     the fire;
       Whereas Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a 14-year veteran 
     of the department and resident of East Rockaway, and a 
     husband and father of three, lost his life in the fire; and
       Whereas Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a 27-year veteran 
     of the department from Long Beach, and a husband and father 
     of three, lost his life in the fire: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, 
     who lost their lives in the course of duty as firefighters, 
     and recognizes them for their bravery and sacrifice;
       (2) extends its deepest sympathies to the families of these 
     three brave heroes; and
       (3) pledges its support and to continue to work on behalf 
     of all of the Nation's firefighters who risk their lives 
     every day to ensure the safety of all Americans.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann 
Davis).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks on H. Res. 172.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 172, and I commend 
its sponsor, the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for 
introducing it.
  This resolution honors three fighters, John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, 
and Harry Ford, who lost their lives fighting a fire in Queens, New 
York, earlier this month.
  The resolution also expresses the deepest sympathies of this House 
for their families. Finally, Mr. Speaker, it pledges that the House 
will continue to support and work for all American firefighters who 
risk their lives every day to keep us all safe.
  On June 17, Mr. Speaker, these three men were among the 350 
firefighters and numerous police officers who responded to a fire and 
explosion at the Long Island General Supply Company. As the resolution 
notes, this disaster reduced a 128-year-old two-story building to a 
heap of broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass.
  Two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured by the blaze, 
including two firefighters who were severely injured.
  The three firefighters who died were veteran firefighters. Mr. 
Downing had

[[Page H3629]]

served for 11 years; Mr. Fahey for 14 years; Mr. Ford for 27. They left 
behind grieving families. Mr. Downing was a husband and father of two.

                              {time}  1115

  Mr. Fahey is survived by his wife and three children. Mr. Ford was a 
husband and father of three. Nothing this House can say or do, Mr. 
Speaker, will lessen the losses these families have experienced. At 
best, we can hope that they will be somewhat comforted by our 
recognition and appreciation for their loved ones' bravery.
  As the House considers this resolution, I also ask my colleagues to 
remember the dangers and risks that firefighters voluntarily assume 
every day across the country. By honoring these firefighters, we will 
also honor the sacrifices of all those firefighters who lay their lives 
on the line day in and day out to protect their neighbors.
  On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I will add that I am the wife of a 
retired city fire chief. I am personally acquainted with the dangers 
and challenges that firefighters encounter and extend my sympathies to 
these families that have lost their fathers and husbands. Those of us 
whose family members have served as firefighters without suffering 
serious injuries can count our blessings and can empathize with the 
loss they must feel. I encourage all Members to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  On Father's Day, three brave firefighters died when a massive 
explosion suddenly ripped through a Queens hardware store, burying them 
under an avalanche of rubble.
  John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford lost their lives when 
what seemed like a routine fire turned into a five-alarm blaze. The 
devastation marked the deadliest day for the New York Fire Department 
since three firefighters were killed in a pre-Christmas 1998 high-rise 
blaze in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
  The names of Downey, Fahey, and Ford will one day be added to the 
Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, 
Colorado. In front of the memorial wall is a statue called, ``Somewhere 
Everyday.'' Somewhere every day firefighters are engaged in acts of 
heroism and saving lives, as these firefighters were doing on Father's 
Day. The ``Somewhere Everyday'' statue depicts a firefighter descending 
a ladder and taking the last step of a successful rescue while 
clutching a child safely within his arms. The rubble from the fire 
forms the base of the tribute.
  In the rubble of the Long Island General Supply Company building are 
the shattered lives of three wives, eight children, and other family, 
friends, and colleagues. The memorial is dedicated to them and all that 
they have lost.
  I would only hope that they find comfort in knowing that Downey, 
Fahey, and Ford died doing what they loved and fulfilling their promise 
to keep their communities safe and the lives and homes of the people 
they served secure.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to yield the 
rest of my time to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) to 
manage.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shaw). Is there objection to the request 
of the gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) 
may control the time.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci).
  Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to take this moment to thank 
my fellow colleagues in the New York delegation, Governor George 
Pataki, the Committee on Government Reform, and the Congressional Fire 
Services Caucus for joining me in honoring these brave men today.
  House Resolution 172 honors the memory of these heroes who lost their 
lives in the line of duty on Sunday, June 17, 2001. It was a sad 
Father's Day, where eight children lost their dads and three wives 
became widows. These men, Harry Ford, 50, of Long Beach; Brian Fahey, 
46, of East Rockaway; and John J. Downing, 40, a resident of Port 
Jefferson Station in my congressional district gave their lives 
fighting a fire in an effort to save the lives and properties of the 
people of New York. On that day, as on every other day in their 
careers, they lived up to the motto of the New York City Fire 
Department, ``New York's Bravest.''
  Along with their fellow firefighters from Rescue Company 4 and Ladder 
Company 13, Harry Ford, John Downing, and Brian Fahey responded to what 
they believed was an ordinary five-alarm commercial fire at 2:20 p.m. 
at a hardware store in Astoria, Queens. As they were battling the 
blaze, though, an explosion ripped through the building, trapping 
firefighters Downing and Ford beneath the rubble of the building's 
facade and firefighter Fahey beneath the basement stairwell.
  Their fellow firefighters valiantly worked to save them, some waving 
off the medical attention they themselves needed for injuries sustained 
in the explosion, as they desperately removed the rubble with their 
hands. Sadly, these three men had perished.
  John Downing, a resident of New York's First Congressional District, 
was a loving father of two children, Joanne, 7, and Michael, 3, and the 
husband of Anne, who he married 11 years ago. He was one of seven 
children in the Downing family, growing up in Woodside, Queens. John 
was one of four Downing children who went on to pursue public service 
as a career, joining his brother Dennis as a firefighter, while his 
brothers James and Joseph became police officers.
  Everyone who knew John called him a hero in every sense of the word. 
Every day he was on the job for the past 11 years as a firefighter, 
John always gave his all and did his best, whether it was fighting 
fires or helping young firefighters to learn their jobs better. 
Everyone in the firehouse knew they could count on John. Knowing this, 
it was no surprise when firefighter Downing was on the front page of 
the New York Daily News 3 years ago. He was pictured on that front page 
as a hero once again, rescuing passengers from a commercial jet that 
had gone off the runway at LaGuardia Airport into the chilling waters 
of Flushing Bay.
  Firefighting was not John's entire life, though. He was a family man, 
doting over his two children and devoted to his wife. In recent weeks, 
he had been working a second job to bring his family on their first 
real summer vacation to Ireland, to visit the relatives of his family 
and his wife. Sadly, when the alarm for his last fire came in, John was 
just 2 hours away from ending his shift and beginning that vacation. As 
the alarm went off, John put down the study book he had been reading, 
preparing to take the exam to become a lieutenant in the fire 
department, grabbed his gear and answered his last call.
  Like other firefighters, these brave men risked their lives every day 
that they went to work, all in the name of protecting their fellow man. 
We all sleep a little easier each night, go to work with an easier mind 
every day, and entrust our children in our schools because we know that 
men and women like John Downing, Harry Ford, and Brian Fahey stand 
ready to protect our lives, our families, and our homes.
  Colleagues, please join me in supporting this resolution that 
recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of all firefighters, and 
particularly of these three brave men.
  Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the Record the full letter from 
Governor George Pataki, but the letter simply says: ``The five-alarm 
blaze that engulfed the Long Island General Supply Company presented a 
tremendous hazard to Astoria, Queens, neighbors. More than 350 
firefighters responded to the scene to ensure the safety of these 
citizens and their community. In the ensuing battle to extinguish the 
fire, 50 firefighters were injured, and sadly these three firefighters 
gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their efforts prevented the fire from 
spreading; and as a result, no civilians were injured. This tragedy 
serves as a reminder to all of us that, each day, New York State's 
bravest

[[Page H3630]]

perform their duty with the highest degree of distinction and valor by 
forsaking their own lives to the benefit of others.
  Thank you for offering this resolution and providing the House of 
Representatives the opportunity of honoring not only these men but all 
firefighters who readily risk their lives throughout the Nation.'' 
Signed in the signature of Governor George E. Pataki.


                                            State of New York,

                                        Albany, NY, June 25, 2001.
     Hon. Felix Grucci,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Grucci: I want to commend you for your 
     efforts in honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry 
     Ford, the courageous firefighters who tragically lost their 
     lives in the line of duty on June 17, 2001. We all continue 
     to mourn for the family and friends of our fallen heros.
       The five-alarm blaze that engulfed the Long Island General 
     Supply Company presented a tremendous hazard to its Astoria, 
     Queens neighbors. More than 350 firefighters responded to the 
     scene to ensure the safety of these citizens and their 
     community. In the ensuing battle to extinguish the fire, 50 
     firefighters were injured, and sadly these three firefighters 
     gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their efforts prevented the fire 
     from spreading and as a result, no civilians were injured. 
     This tragedy serves as a reminder to us all that, each day, 
     New York State's bravest perform their duties with the 
     highest degree of distinction and valor by forsaking their 
     own lives for the benefit of others.
       Thank you for offering this resolution that provides the 
     U.S. House of Representatives the opportunity of honoring not 
     only these men, but all firefighters who readily risk their 
     lives throughout the nation.
           Very truly yours,
                                                 George E. Pataki,
                                                         Governor.

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume; and I first want to compliment my friend and colleague, 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci), for offering this important 
resolution. I am extremely proud to join him as the lead Democrat, and 
I congratulate the leadership on both sides of the aisle for bringing 
this important resolution to the floor so swiftly. It not only 
recognizes their valor and their sacrifice but extends the condolences 
of this body to their family; and it pledges our support to continue to 
work on behalf of all of our Nation's firefighters, who risk their 
leaves every day to ensure the safety of all Americans.
  While addressing the friends and family of Brian Fahey, one of the 
New York City firefighters who was killed on Sunday, June 17, the 
Reverend Anthony Pascual of St. Raymond Church said, ``How do you 
measure the quality of a man's life? Not by the number of years he 
lived, but by his deeds.'' Three brave men, Brian Fahey, Harry Ford, 
and John Downing made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
  Like all of our brave firefighters and officers, every day that they 
worked they risked their lives. Every time they entered a burning 
building, they knew that they were putting their lives on the line. But 
they placed the safety of others above their own well-being. They died 
trying to make our city and our country a safer place.
  June 17th was also Father's Day. These three men were not only 
firefighters but fathers, and among them they had eight children. New 
York City Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen referred to Brian Fahey as 
a firefighter to the core. He was a 14-year veteran of the department 
who was loved and respected by his colleagues and his family. In 
addition to coaching a little league team, one of his greatest passions 
was training volunteer firefighters at the Nassau County Fire Service 
Academy.

                              {time}  1130

  He is survived by his wife Mary, and was a father of 3-year-old twin 
boys, and an 8-year-old son.
  Harry Ford was a 27-year veteran of the fire department who has been 
cited nine times for his bravery. He was renowned among his colleagues 
for his bravery and loyalty. He was also passionate about his family. 
He leaves behind his wife Denise and 3 children, a daughter age 24, and 
two sons, ages 10 and 12.
  John Downing from Woodside, Queens, the third man killed in the 
blaze, was an 11-year veteran beloved by his colleagues and respected 
as a hardworking and dedicated fire fighter. Mr. Downing was also a 
passionate family man, so much so that he had worked two jobs to be 
able to take his family on a month-long vacation to Northern Ireland. 
He leaves behind his wife Anne, a 7-year old daughter, and a 3-year old 
son.
  More than 10,000 firefighters from all over the country, some from 
California, Florida, and Canada, came to New York to mourn with the 
family and friends of these historic, heroic men.
  The men and women who fight fires every day have a strong bond 
between them. The deaths of these fine men touched the lives of 
firefighters everywhere. In remembering these brave men and their great 
deeds, we must not only honor their memory, but act now to ensure that 
a preventable tragedy such as this one never happens again.
  Fire Commissioner Von Essen has said that if the building had been 
equipped with a fire sprinkler system, the lives of these three brave 
men might have been spared. The fire in the Long Island supply store 
that killed these three men and injured many more raged for 12 hours. 
Stored in the basement of the building were flammable materials such as 
paint thinners and various other chemicals which caused the violent 
explosion that took the lives of these men. Because the building was 
128 years old, it predated the New York City ordinance that requires a 
sprinkler system.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the efforts of my colleagues in city 
government who, in learning about this terrible tragedy, are working to 
enact legislation requiring sprinkler systems in all buildings that 
store flammable materials. We must ensure that such a tragedy does not 
reoccur so that the selfless sacrifices of these three men, heroes to 
all New Yorkers, were not in vain.
  One of my colleagues is the author of the Fire Safety Act, and I 
yield to the gentleman before he returns to his committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Pascrell) to place into the record his comments.
  (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks, and include extraneous material.)
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, we are here to salute brothers Downing, 
Fahey, and Ford. Too many times, my brothers and sisters here in the 
Congress, we have forgotten the other half of the public safety 
equation.
  Our words are significant and important. I join with the gentlewoman 
in sympathy, but we need to do something in the House of 
Representatives that sends a clear message to all 32,000 fire 
departments across America and all 1 million firefighters that we stand 
with them; otherwise, their deaths will have been in vain.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to join and fund what we say we are 
going to fund. God bless these heroic men and their families.
  I thank Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Grucci for allowing me 
the opportunity to speak on this important resolution.
  As a former mayor of a medium-sized city, I know the important role 
that firefighters play in what I call the Public Safety Equation. And 
although their role is often forgotten, firefighters risk their lives 
every day to save ours.
  On June 17, 2001, three more firefighters gave their lives in the 
line of duty. John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford--all long-
time veterans of their respective fire companies and all men with 
families--made the ultimate sacrifice as they battled a fire in Queens, 
New York on that fateful day.
  It is important to remember these men and those before them, because 
they truly are heroes.
  And it is important that we put our money where our mouths are, and 
not just sing the praises of firefighters at local parades and in small 
town meetings. Instead, we need to make sure that we are providing 
adequate support for fire departments around the country to supplement 
local responsibilities.
  Next month, the VA-HUD Appropriations bill will be marked up. This 
bill will include, hopefully continued funding for the Firefighter 
Assistance Grant Program that was authorized last year.
  This bill will provide competitive grants directly to the over 32,000 
paid, part-paid and volunteer fire departments across America.
  As a result of the unity and commitment of firefighting community and 
its supporters, the President has returned funding for this program to 
his budget.
  In order for this program to really help fighfighters, it must be 
funded appropriately--and that is $300 million.

[[Page H3631]]

  And let's provide this funding with the same bipartisan zeal that we 
have displayed throughout the process. That is only appropriate. When 
firefighters run into a burning building, they don't as the people they 
are saving if they are Democrats or Republicans--and we owe them the 
same commitment.
  Let's not just speak our thanks on the House Floor. Let's demonstrate 
our support and provide firefighters with the resources they need to do 
their job.
  Let's do it for John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford and 
their families. Let's do it for every firefighter in every department 
in every state. It's the least we can do.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I commend our colleague, the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Grucci) for his continued dedication to our Nation's 
firefighters and for the work he has done, along with Members on both 
sides of the aisle in bringing this resolution before the House today.
  Each year, thousands of men and women risk their lives to protect the 
lives and property of all of American communities. Sadly on June 17, 
Father's Day, three firefighters died in their line of duty fighting 
fire in Astoria, Queens: Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, from Rescue 
Company 4, and John Downing, from Ladder Company 163, were not only 
firefighters and fathers, they were prime examples of experienced men 
that our New York communities have to offer. Brian Fahey was a 14-year 
veteran, a skilled instructor, who left behind a wife and three 
children.
  John Downing had three children and was planning a trip to Ireland; 
and Harry Ford, who was a father of three, was cited nine different 
times for his outstanding acts of bravery. All three were Irish 
Americans whose lives will not be forgotten by their families or their 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, we are here today honoring their lives and giving thanks 
for their service, promoting the virtue of their profound and unending 
sacrifices, and most importantly, to join in consoling their families 
for their loss of lives.
  At the same time, let us take advantage of this opportunity to again 
pledge our support for all of the dedicated brave men who go to work 
each day risking their lives protecting both the lives and property of 
our citizens. It is unfortunate that it takes a tragic event such as 
this to initiate a dialogue of the profound sentiment we all feel about 
our brave firefighters, our police officers, our soldiers, and all of 
the men and women who ask them to risk their lives for the sake of 
others. Every town, community, and nation is founded on the sacrifices 
of those men and women willing to risk their lives for the betterment 
of others. I urge my colleagues to join in fully supporting this 
measure, H. Res. 172.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. McNulty).
  Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues 
today in saluting and paying tribute to John Downing, Brian Fahey, and 
Harry Ford and expressing our condolences to their families.
  What happened on Father's Day this year is a very sad reminder of 
what happens all too often in this country. It reminded me specifically 
of that sad day a couple of years ago when we lost six of our 
firefighters in that tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts.
  Mr. Speaker, I have spent a lot of time with firefighters during the 
course of my career. I had the tremendous honor of serving as the mayor 
of my hometown, as my father did before me and as he does to this very 
day at the age of 90. In the course of our careers, we had the 
opportunity to work with a great many outstanding firefighters. Today I 
spend some of my leisure time with my firefighter friends at Engine 1 
in Troy, New York, named for the late Harry Dahl, who gave 44 years of 
his life in the fire service in the city of Troy, New York. I have seen 
firsthand the dangers that firefighters face every single day of their 
lives.
  Also a few years back, from the neighboring city of Watervilet, 
responding to a mutual alarm in Troy, New York, our fire chief, Tommy 
McCormack, lost his life in the line of duty.
  Mr. Speaker, nothing can bring back John or Brian or Harry, but I 
suggest that there is something that we can do. We can express our 
gratitude to all of the firefighters who are serving us today. And so 
today I suggest to all of those who are within the sound of my voice, 
what I did on the day of the burial of those six heroes in Worcester, 
the next time when taking a stroll in the neighborhood when walking 
past a fire house, stop by, say hello and say thank you to the 
firefighters. Look them in the eye and say thank you for putting their 
lives on the line for us and our families 365 days a year.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella).
  (Mr. Fossella asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I commend my friend from Long Island, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for bringing this resolution to 
the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, for those of us who honored our fathers on Father's Day, 
it was pouring rain that day. The whole morning looked like the day was 
going to be ruined. About 2:00 the sun came out in Staten Island and 
worked its way eastward. There was a call in Queens about that time, 
and it seemed to be a routine fire. It did not look like it was a big 
deal until we discovered the news which has been echoed here, that 
three brave firemen lost their lives.
  The purpose here today is to take a moment to honor those men who 
bravely gave their lives; and to say to the other firemen that their 
brothers did not die in vain. Their families who survived, the 
children, our hearts and prayers go out to them; and I hope through 
their faith they are able to come through this tragedy with the 
knowledge that others share their grief.
  Mr. Speaker, the New York Fire Department in particular is a 
wonderful resource. In Staten Island, we have lost too many 
firefighters: Captain John Drennan, Scott Lapedera, George Lenner, 
Chris Sidenberg. These are young heroes who died way before their time.
  Mr. Speaker, so to the families especially, know that Members of 
Congress, Democrats and Republicans, really honor what those brave men 
did; and we will miss them.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).
  (Mr. CROWLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my colleagues, 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) and the gentlewoman from New 
York (Mrs. Maloney), and thank them for offering this resolution to 
memorialize John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, three of New 
York's bravest.
  They were members of the New York City Fire Department who were 
killed in the line of duty on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17. Each of 
these men was a decorated veteran of the fire department. Harry Ford 
was a 27-year veteran; Brian Fahey had served for 14 years; and John 
Downing had served for 11 years. Words alone cannot express the sadness 
that we all feel about the deaths of these men. I can only begin to 
express my sympathy for their families, especially the eight children 
now left behind.
  All of these men worked in my district in the Seventh Congressional 
District in Queens. Harry Ford and Brian Fahey worked at the elite 
Rescue 4 Unit just up the block from where I grew up, and John Downing 
of Engine Company 163 also stationed in Woodside, although lived on the 
Island, grew up in Woodside, was schooled in St. Sebastian School, and 
was buried out of St. Sebastian's Church on Friday.
  Mr. Speaker, last Friday I had the opportunity to attend the funeral 
of John Downing, and I sat with his family and the families of the 
other firefighters that were killed, the Ford and Fahey families. I sat 
with his colleagues, including my first cousin, Battalion Chief John 
Moran, who was injured in that fire and spent 2 days in the hospital 
himself after smoke inhalation trying to recover Mr. Fahey's body.
  Mr. Speaker, I was reminded by this experience that the New York City 
firefighters were the bravest men and women in the United States. 
Heroic action taken by the men and women of

[[Page H3632]]

the New York Fire Department is something that occurs on a daily basis. 
To those who worked alongside them, I want to take the opportunity to 
say thank you for the job that they do every day. I am heartened to see 
the outpouring of sympathy and affection that has been expressed 
throughout New York and in my home district of Woodside for these brave 
men who fell in the line of duty on Father's Day.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope we can let the example of these three heroes 
serve as an example for all of us. Mr. Speaker, these heroes made the 
ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I know Members join me in 
paying tribute to their incredible bravery.
  Mr. Speaker, last night my cousin was on Dateline, and he recounted a 
saying that he was taught in the department before he took the job. It 
goes along the lines of this, the only act of bravery or heroism is the 
day that they sign up and take the job in the fire department; every 
other day is just a normal, line-of-duty day. That is the attitude 
these men and women have.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless them and keep them; and may God bless and 
keep their families.

                              {time}  1145

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. King).
  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues today in 
supporting this resolution. I want to commend the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Grucci) for the leadership he has shown on this issue, as he 
has shown on so many since he has come to the United States Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, the great bravery of these men has been detailed by the 
previous speakers today. I have a particular interest in this matter, 
because Harry Ford and Brian Fahey are both constituents of mine, Harry 
Ford from Long Beach and Brian Fahey from East Rockaway. Each left 
behind a wife and three children. They really epitomize what the New 
York City Fire Department is all about. Of course, as the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Crowley) said, John Downing grew up in the community 
of Woodside, where I also grew up, and which is now so ably represented 
by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).
  I say this, I make the personal connection only because I think too 
often we take for granted that so many of the men and women we know who 
are firefighters are doing such a courageous job day in and day out, 
and yet we take it for granted; we assume they are going to do the job.
  It is only when something as tragic and momentous as this terrible 
Father's Day incident occurred, that it drives home to us just how 
brave they are, just how much they put their lives on the line, day in 
and day out. I cannot imagine what a dangerous job, I cannot imagine 
what a tragic death, than what these three firefighters went through.
  So I today join with all of my colleagues in expressing not only our 
condolences, but also our thanks and gratitude for what firefighters in 
New York City, Long Island, throughout our State and throughout our 
Nation do.
  Every day they put their lives on the line, we are the beneficiaries; 
and it is unfortunate that it takes something as tragic as this 
Father's Day disaster to remind us of just how deserving these men and 
women are of our undying thanks and gratitude.
  So, again, I thank the gentleman for introducing the resolution. I am 
proud to urge its adoption. I certainly send my best wishes and 
condolences to the wives and children of these three brave 
firefighters.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my 
friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).
  (Mr. ISRAEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my distinguished colleague, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), as well as my friend and 
neighbor, the gentleman from Long Island, New York (Mr. Grucci), for 
bringing this resolution to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, even as a new member of the Congressional Fire Services 
Caucus, I believe that no Member of Congress' words can adequately 
describe the loss that we have suffered. So I would like to include in 
the Record today excerpts of a recent Newsday editorial entitled, ``For 
Firefighters, Risk of Death Is All in a Day's Work.''
  The editorial begins, ``The job has not changed that much over the 
years,'' George Burke of the International Association of Firefighters 
said yesterday. ``While most people run away from disasters, 
firefighters are paid to run straight into them. And for all of the 
recent equipment advances, the guarantees of safety are still precious 
few. A building filled with working firefighters can suddenly explode 
like a bomb. Or a flaming roof can collapse. Or a wooden floor can give 
away without warning. All of this may easily explain why fire fighting 
is the nation's most dangerous public sector job.
  ``On Father's Day afternoon three members of the New York Fire 
Department, Harry Ford, John Downing and Brian Fahey, died as they 
tried to protect residents of Astoria, Queens, from the dangers of a 
horrific hardware store fire. All told, the three men leave behind 
eight children.
  ``In addition, two other FDNY members were seriously injured in the 
disaster, Joseph Vosilla and Brendan Manning, and some 50 more were 
less seriously hurt. This goes with the territory as well. Burke says 
40 percent of all firefighters nationally suffer an injury in the line 
of duty every year.''
  ``We have lost 3 very brave firefighters,'' Mayor Rudolph Giuliani 
said on Sunday of Ford, Fahey and Downing. ``This is one the most 
tragic days that I can remember.''
  The mayor is right about that, and I join the rest of the New York 
delegation and all Members of Congress in offering my condolences to 
the families and fellow workers of these selfless men.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon).
  (Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, I 
would not be in this body, I would not be in politics, were it not for 
the fire service. I grew up in a firehouse family, and I became 
president and chief of my fire company, went back and got a degree in 
fire protection and helped train the firefighters from 80 companies 
before I came here.
  It is tragic that we have to come to talk about the fire service when 
we have funerals. I have been to hundreds of firefighter funerals in 
this city, in New York, and around the country.
  Each year we lose over 100 firefighters. Many of them are volunteers. 
Because we have 1.2 million firefighters in the country out of 32,000 
departments, each year 100 of them die.
  We come today to pay the respects for three more heroes who made the 
ultimate sacrifice, three ordinary people doing extraordinary things, 
who left behind children, who had dreams. In fact, John Downing was 
about to go on his vacation the day after he was killed in that tragic 
fire. Harry Ford and Brian Fahey were outstanding professionals in 
every sense of the word.
  We come today to honor them, and I want to give my highest respect to 
their families and to the work they have done.
  But that is not enough. We in this body must now recognize that these 
brave individuals need our support. We fund $300 billion a year for 
international defenders, our military, and I am in the forefront of 
that support. We fund $4 billion a year in this body for support of our 
law enforcement professionals, even paying for half the cost of their 
police vests.
  The total funding for the fire service up until last year was zero, 
nada, even though we are now asking them to deal with international 
incidents, like terrorism. The World Trade Center bombing, which I 
attended, was handled with Fire Department firefighters from New York 
City.
  So I say the highest honor that we can bestow upon these three 
individuals is to renew our efforts to increase funding to give the 
proper technology to these heroes nationwide. They deserve thermal-
imaging protection. They deserve turnout suits. They deserve the kind 
of GPS systems to allow

[[Page H3633]]

their chiefs to know where they are in the building, so they are not 
trapped by toxic gasses, so they know what floor they are on.
  All of these are within our capability; and as a tribute to these 
three people, we should renew our efforts to make sure that happens.
  In working with my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Grucci), who has been a tireless advocate for the fire service on Long 
Island, I pledge my continued support to make sure we never forget the 
legacy of these three brave American heroes.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my 
friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner).
  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, tonight as we lay our heads down to sleep, 
all across this country and in New York City, we will be tucking in our 
children, telling them good-night stories, knowing that they will be 
safe until morning.
  Well, that is not true for the eight children who lost their fathers 
in the blaze on June 17. Frankly, as all of us sleep at night, we do so 
sanguine in the knowledge that all across this country, and 
particularly in New York City, we have brave men and women who spend 
that night watching over us, literally. There is probably no other 
profession in the world where a group of men and women sits by the 
phone waiting for the worst and most horrific things to happen so they 
can jump into duty.
  Well, today while we take the opportunity to commemorate the lives of 
Brian Fahey, Harry Ford and John Downing, we recognize, of course, that 
every day here after and every day so far we have been protected by the 
men and women of New York's bravest and all those fire officials all 
around the Nation.
  Tonight and every other night we might think in our prayers to say 
thank you for the firemen and women who protect us, but perhaps this is 
an opportunity for us to be reminded that we ought to. Very rarely do 
we wake up in the morning and say I want to thank God there was no fire 
in my house last night. But we should always remember that, if there 
ever is, there is going to be a group of very heroic people who are 
requesting to run to that problem.
  We do not know the three men very closely that we memorialize today, 
but all throughout our country there are others like them. Perhaps this 
is an opportunity for us the next time we walk by our local firehouse 
to stick our head in and say thank you.
  To those eight children who lost their fathers on Father's Day, there 
are no words that can comfort you, except that you should know that 
your fathers were true American heroes and we in the United States 
House of Representatives pay tribute to them today.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for 
yielding me time. I thank the sponsor of this legislation, and I come 
as a friend to the floor of the House.
  The last couple of days I have been talking about Houston and the 
tragedies that we have faced. In facing those tragedies, the key 
element of helping to recover those people who were in need in Houston 
were firefighters. So I come today to pay honor to the New York 
firefighters, John Downing and Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, who lost 
their lives on Father's Day.
  This is simply a statement to say that those of us who have grown up 
looking at the firefighters as major heroes, tall, now men and women, 
still continue to admire them for the sacrifice they make every day on 
our behalf.
  Firefighters save lives on a daily basis, whether it is resuscitating 
a victim; whether it is getting a frightened family out of a burning 
building; whether it is dealing with hazardous toxic wastes, and maybe 
even putting a smile on someone's face in the well-renowned effort to 
save a cat out of a tree. Firefighters are our best friends.
  And to those eight children of those wonderful men, might I say to 
you that your fathers will continue to be American heroes. How sad that 
they lost their lives on Father's Day; but how important it is for us 
to never, never forget.
  I rise today in support H. Res. 172 which honors New York 
firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford who gave 
their lives in the service of their community and their country.
  On Sunday, June 17, 350 firefighters and numerous police officers 
responded to an emergency call at the Long Island General Supply 
Company in Queens, NY. During the course of the battle to put out the 
blaze, two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured, two of 
whom were injured severely. Tragically, three firefighters were killed 
in the course of their duty as firefighters: John J. Downing of Ladder 
Company 163, a husband, a father of two, and an 11-year veteran; Brian 
Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a husband, a father of three, and 14-year 
veteran; and finally, Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a husband, a 
father of three, and 27-year veteran.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors these great heroes of our 
community who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so that we all 
may sleep better and safer at night.
  This resolution expresses our deepest sympathy for their families of 
these brave heroes, and pledges our support and work on behalf of all 
of the nation's firefighters.
  To all of those who lost in this blaze, the families, and to all the 
unspoken heroes who fight for us and risk life and limb each and every 
day, this Congress expresses its sincerest gratitude on behalf of the 
American people. Your commitment and sacrifice will live on in all of 
us forever.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record 
information for the memorial for all of our fallen heroes and our 
tributes today for our three heroes from New York.

           The Memorial, Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO


                        ``somewhere--everyday''

       ``Somewhere-Everyday'', is the copyrighted title given to 
     the 17 foot, ``Heroic'' bronze Memorial statute by Artist and 
     Sculptor Mr. Gary Coulter since it is with this frequency 
     that somewhere every day Fire Fighters are engaged in acts of 
     heroism and saving lives. All too often Fire Fighters give 
     the ultimate sacrifice . . . their lives, in the line of 
     duty. Mr. Coulter has captured the last step of a successful 
     rescue while clutching a child safely within sheltering arms. 
     The rubble of fire forms the base of this magnificent tribute 
     of dedication and heroism. Mr. Coulter designed, with 
     purpose, unequal beams of the 17 foot tall ladder. In the 
     ``art'' world, ``unequal, parallel, lines define infinity''. 
     As Gary stated, Fire Fighters acts of heroism does just that 
     . . . it will always be that way!
       ``Somewhere-Everyday'' weighs 2,600 pounds, it's base 
     extends 40 feet into the ground to bed rock. Somewhere-
     Everyday, was delivered to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial 
     Committee in 1987 after nine months of work and a cost of 
     $60,000. This remarkable sculpture was dedicated October 
     15th, 1988.
       Behind the Memorial sculpture is the Wall-Of-Honor 
     containing names of Fire Fighters that have died in the line 
     of duty since 1976. There have been countless numbers of Fire 
     Fighters prior to this year that have made the ultimate 
     sacrifice. 1976 is however when the United States Congress 
     passed a bill titled the Public Service Officers Benefit and 
     began real recording of deaths in the line of duty of Fire 
     Fighters. This does not take away any feelings the 
     Brotherhood of Fire Fighters. This does not take away any 
     feelings the Brotherhood of Fire Fighting has for those in 
     the past that have died-in-the-line-of-duty. It is further 
     reason to identify, in silent tribute, the immeasurable 
     numbers of devoted, courageous acts of heroism for accurate 
     inscriptions.
       Fire Fighters are all: Part kid, adult, husband, father, or 
     even wife or mother. They all are in real life human and have 
     families. A Fire Fighters's family struggles daily as their 
     ``Hero goes off to work without security in knowing if their 
     loved one will be hurt before seeing him/her again. They all 
     know the dangerous profession that has been chosen by their 
     special person. With every wail or siren, uncertainty tugs at 
     heart-strings'' in a way that only a Fire Fighters Wife, 
     Husband, Mother, Father or Family feels. It is to them that 
     this Memorial is dedicated. Special people . . . caring and 
     living in a very special way.


                            ``lamentations''

     A gallant, noble sacrifice,
     a selfless life laid down:
     So rare this public servant's worth,
     no greater treasure found.
     No greater act of decency,
     no greater human love,
     no greater courage demonstrated
     by lives they gave.

     This tribute to unselfish hearts
     today will testify,
     that health and safety have a price,
     that firefighters die.
     The shadow of this sentinel,
     into tomorrow cast,
     forever will the gravestones shield
     of heroes who have passed.

     It bathes their tombs in bravery,
     and brands upon our memory
     the fight they gave, the cancelled debt,
     let town and peoples not forget

[[Page H3634]]

     the price they paid to keep us safe,
     our lives and homes secure.
     We honor these who gave their all
     their memories here endure.

                             --Firehouse Poetry by Lt. Aaron Espy,
                                                   L.A.F.F. #2819.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). The time of the gentlewoman 
from New York (Mrs. Maloney) has expired.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for 
introducing this resolution. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana 
(Mr. Burton), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization; as well as the 
ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis), for expediting consideration for this resolution.
  I urge all Members to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Nadler).
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, we are here to pass this resolution honoring John 
Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, who lost their lives on Father's 
Day in the course of a tragic fire in New York; but really we are 
honoring all firefighters, because there are hundreds of thousands of 
firefighters throughout this land, in New York and every other State, 
who daily risk their lives; and it is only by accident of fate that 
these three people, unfortunately, were killed.
  Every firefighter risks his or her life every day of the year for the 
safety of all of us, and certainly we ought to honor them and their 
sacrifices and their potential sacrifices. We all sleep soundly, and we 
take for granted the heroism of these people whose services we might 
need at any day. They are not paid as well as they should be, they live 
probably in conditions not as well as they ought to, but we all depend 
on them for our lives and property; and we ought to honor them and 
express our sorrow and our condolences at this loss.
  Mr. Speaker, I join in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of honoring New York 
City firefighters John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford.
  Mr. Speaker, these three brave men made the ultimate sacrifice on 
June 17th when they responded to a fire at a hardware store in Queens 
in the early afternoon.
  Some might have called it a routine call. All three men were veterans 
of the department and had between 11 and 27 years of experience in one 
of the busiest departments in the country. Undoubtedly they had all 
been on this type of call hundreds of times before.
  Unfortunately, no call in the fire service is ever really routine. 
Every 82 seconds in this country the call for help goes out to 
America's fire service. And when that alarm bell rings, the men and 
women of the fire service know all too well that the call could be 
their last.
  Every year in this country we lose about 100 firefighters in the line 
of duty. A number that I consider appallingly high. An additional 
45,000 firefighters suffer injuries--some of them permanently 
debilitating. When you factor in training accidents and injuries 
sustained responding to calls, the number tops 88,000.
  I did not know firefighters Downing, Fahey, or Ford. But they say 
that the measure of a man's character is his service to others. By this 
standard these men were giants for the sacrifice they made. I urge all 
of my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of House Resolution 
172 to honor fallen New York City Firefighters John J. Downing of 
Ladder Company 163, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford both of Rescue Company 
4. These men made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their sacred 
duties this past Father's Day, June 17th fighting a terrible blaze. In 
that tragic fire at the Long Island General Supply Company in Queens, 
New York our state lost three brave heroes, three dedicated fathers, 
and three devoted husbands. Words can not describe the debt of 
gratitude we as a nation owe these fine men. I join my Colleagues in 
expressing my deepest sympathies to their families.
  At 2:20 p.m. that Sunday the alarm came in. As they had done so many 
times in the past, for so many years, Firefighters Downing, Fahey and 
Ford responded to the call without hesitation. At first, the blaze 
appeared to be small and routine. Then as the fire built inside, a 
massive explosion erupted turning the 128-year-old store into a heap of 
rubble. In the wake of the blast, these three brave men had answered 
their final alarm trying to enter the building to do a job they had 
accomplished so many times before.
  Much like the 1.7 million firefighters across the nation including 
the volunteers and paid professionals in my own district in Central New 
York, these men and their families knew and accepted the risks 
associated with the nature of their work. Each and every day, whenever 
the fire whistle blows, fire bell rings, or fire pager sounds, the 
firefighters in our country respond in an instant, working to protect 
and secure the lives and property of others and ready to make the same 
sacrifices that were made in Queens this past Father's Day.
  As we honor our fallen heroes from New York City, we must also 
remember the brave men and women who fight fires on a daily basis in 
our country. From fighting structure fires to rescuing entrapped 
victims at motor vehicle accidents, our nation's firefighters are 
fearless in practicing the laws of God, as they are brave in protecting 
the lives and property of their fellowmen. Firefighters Downing, Fahey, 
and Ford took this spirit to the ultimate limit. We are fortunate to 
have so many firefighters like these men, firefighters who believe in 
what they are doing, and who will fight to the very end for what they 
believe. For this, I pay tribute to them as well as to all the brave 
firefighters across our nation.
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about issues of 
public safety. H. Res. 172, honoring the fallen firefighters from the 
Father's Day blaze in New York City, was on the floor this afternoon 
commemorating the heroic efforts of those firefighters. John Downing, 
Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford were dedicated and experienced firefighters 
whose service to the city they loved was truly inspirational.
  It strikes me that being a firefighter is one of the most physically 
challenging and dangerous professions possible. The men and women who 
undertake firefighting as a career are at risk every day trying to keep 
their fellow citizens safe from fires but also are responsible for an 
ever-growing number of tasks. Today's firefighters are responsible for 
hazardous material clean up, response to terrorist threats and 
emergencies, and providing information to citizens on fire safety 
techniques.
  America's colleges let out for the summer recently but not without 
some loss of innocence for our children. Fire can affect our kids as 
much as it affects the lives of firefighters. I have introduced H.R. 
2145, the Campus Fire Prevention Act, in an effort to address the 
safety of college students. My legislation will provide funds for the 
installation of fire sprinklers and other fire suppression devices in 
college dormitories, fraternities and sororities.
  Even one death is too many; one injury is too many when it comes to 
the safety of our children. The tragedy at Seton Hall University in 
1998 opened the eyes of parents and students to the risks of living in 
dormitories that had not been outfitted with sprinklers or other fire 
suppression. My bill will provide matching funds to a university or 
organization that applies given approval by the Department of Education 
and the Fire Administration.
  This past school year in Ohio there were four students killed in 
campus fires. A December fire at the University of Dayton killed one 
male student in a house fire in a building owned by the university. In 
May 2001, two fires killed students at John Carroll University and Ohio 
University. Both students were scheduled to graduate this year. 
Unfortunately this is not unique to Ohio, there were fire related 
injuries and fatalities throughout America's universities.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in enacting H.R. 2145, it is a 
common sense measure that has already gained 43 cosponsors. Data has 
demonstrated fire sprinklers work in protecting property and preventing 
injury. In buildings with functional fire sprinklers there has not been 
a fire resulting in more than two fatalities.
  We should honor the fallen firefighters from New York by helping to 
prevent future tragedies for firefighters and other innocent Americans.


                             Talking Points

  How often do fires occur in school, college, and university 
dormitories and fraternity and sorority houses?
  In 1997, the latest year for which national fire statistics are 
available, an estimated 1,500 structure fires occurred in school, 
college, and university dormitories and fraternity and sorority 
housing. These fires resulted in no deaths, 47 injuries, and $7 million 
in direct property damage. Between 1993 and 1997, an estimated average 
of 1,600 structure fires occurred each year, resulting in eight fatal 
fires known to NPFA, representing a total of 16 deaths over the five 
years of 1993-1997, 66 injuries, and $8.9 million in direct property 
damage per year.

[[Page H3635]]

  How many fires occur specifically in fraternity and sorority housing?
  Between 1993 and 1997, an annual average of 154 structure fires 
occurred in fraternity and sorority houses, resulting in 18 injuries, 
and $2.9 million in direct property damage per year.
  What are the most common causes of fires at school, college, and 
university dormitories and fraternity and sorority housing?
  The leading cause of fire in these types of occupancies is incendiary 
or suspicious causes. The second and third causes of these on- and off-
campus housing fires are cooking and smoking, respectively.
  How often are smoke or fire alarms and fire sprinklers present in 
dormitory fires?
  In 1997, smoke or fire alarms were present in 93% of all dormitory 
fires, but sprinklers were present in only 28% of these fires. These 
figures apply only to properties where fires occurred; the overall 
fraction of properties with these active systems is probably higher. On 
average, direct property damage per fire is 36% lower in dormitory 
fires where sprinklers are present compare to those where sprinklers 
are not present.
  H.R. 2145--the Campus Fire Prevention Act is identical to legislation 
introduced in the Senate by Senator John Edwards of North Carolina and 
designated S. 399.
  The bill is intended to supply money for colleges to retrofit 
sprinklers in dorms and allows fraternities and sororities to access 
the $100,000,000 in money each year over 5 years.
  The bill provides money in the form of federal matching grants for 
the installation of fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression 
or prevention technologies in college living situations (including 
sororities and fraternities).
  Priority would be given to any organization applying for the money 
from the bill with an inability to fund the fire suppression without 
accessing the funds under the bill.
  Grants would be administered through the Department of Education in 
consultation with the U.S. Fire Administration.
  The bill does not mandate using fire sprinkler systems in dorms, only 
provides funds for those who would like to make their residents safer.
  Currently there are 43 cosponsors to H.R. 2145 and it has received 
endorsements from many campus organizations like the College Parents of 
America and the National Association of Student Personnel 
Administrators.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest 
condolences to the families of John J. Downing, Brian Fahon, and Harry 
Ford. Each of them will be sorely missed. We are forever in your debt 
and can never repay your loss. More than just firefighters, these men 
were husbands, fathers, and upstanding members of their communities. 
They paid the ultimate sacrifice and taught us a powerful lesson about 
honor, bravery, and sacrifice. These are traits that all firefighters 
possess. It is a shame that only through such tragedies we recognize 
this fact.
  They were great firefighters, husbands, and fathers. Since the tragic 
June 17 event, America learned of the vibrant and rich lives of these 
three men. In the process, we developed a love for them and cried with 
their families as they mourned their losses. John J. Downing, an 11-
year veteran, husband and father of two; Brian Fahey, a 14-year 
veteran, husband and father of three; Harry Ford, a 27-year veteran, 
husband and father of three will not be forgotten. Mr. Downing became 
famous for his bravery in the 1992 USAir plane crash into Flushing Bay. 
Mr. Fahey was considered one of the fire department's elite, he worked 
in the rescue department. Mr. Ford was cited for bravery ten times 
during the course of his career, including rescuing a baby from a 
burning building. It is clear to everyone they were exceptional at 
their job.
  These men did not die in vain. Today, as we recognize their bravery, 
let us pledge our support to work on behalf of all of the nation's 
firefighters who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all 
Americans.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with mixed emotions as we pay 
tribute to firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford. As 
I stand here I cannot help but feel both sadness and admiration, both 
respect and grief. While this tragedy is unfortunately close-to-home 
for New Yorkers, people the world over are paying homage to these three 
men today.
  Sadness, Mr. Speaker; that these brave men's lives were tragically 
taken from their families, friends and communities on June 17, 2001 
when they dutifully responded to the call to put out a deadly fire that 
was destroying the Long Island General Supply Company in Astoria, New 
York.
  Admiration, Mr. Speaker; for these three firefighters who exemplified 
the word: Heroes. These three heroes woke-up every morning, ready and 
willing to fight any fire that threatened our community. These three 
heroes who worked so that the rest of us could enjoy our lives free 
from worry or concern of a deadly fire.
  Respect, Mr. Speaker; for these three heroes who were dedicated to a 
career as firefighters that required them to work to protect 
individuals that they may never have known. When they were called on to 
rescue these people from fires, these three heroes did so with the same 
commitment that they would feel for protecting their own families.
  And grief, Mr. Speaker; for the devoted wives, loving children and 
proud communities that are without these three heroes as a result of 
this horrific tragedy.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in unity with the entire NY Congressional 
delegation and ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives today 
to join us in honoring the memory of firefighters John J. Downing, 
Brian Fahey and Harry Ford.

                              {time}  1200

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 
172.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________