[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7535-S7536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  LOSS OF FOUR WASHINGTON FIREFIGHTERS

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I come to the Senate Chamber this evening 
to join my colleague, Senator Maria Cantwell, in acknowledging four 
young Americans who lost their lives in service to our country last 
evening.
  Like many Americans, this morning I awoke to the very tragic news 
that four firefighters had died while battling a wildfire near 
Winthrop, WA.
  Today I want my colleagues and the American people to know the names 
of those four brave firefighters: Tom Craven, 30 years old, of 
Ellensburg, WA; Karen Fitzpatrick, 18 years old of Yakima, WA; Devin 
Weaver, 21, of Yakima; and Jessica Johnson, 19, also from Yakima.

  These were young people.
  These were people who put themselves in harms way to keep the rest of 
us safe.
  Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those four 
courageous firefighters.
  It's hard to imagine the dangers that firefighters face every day. 
But they choose to fight fires to help protect the rest of us--our 
families and our communities.
  When something like this happens, it makes all of us stop and think 
about what they've sacrificed for our safety.
  My brother is a firefighter. For years, he fought fires. My family 
and I understand the risks.
  I know how those families feel every day when they send their loved 
ones off to work.
  They are proud of them.
  They know they are doing something important for their neighbors and 
their community.
  And they are always hoping they will get back home safely at the end 
of the day.
  This tragedy reminds us all of the dangers that firefighters face 
every day.
  To the families of those four brave young people, please know that we 
are a grateful nation, and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
  I also want to wish a speedy recovery for the other firefighters who 
were injured while battling the wildfire.
  I want to thank the firefighters in Washington State--and across the 
country--for the work they do to protect us.
  We own them a debt of gratitude.
  Today, we owe four families our condolences and our thanks for their 
sacrifice. I yield to Senator Cantwell from Washington State.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington is recognized.
  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I come to 
the floor today after learning of the tragic deaths of four 
firefighters in the Wenatchee National Forest in Washington state. 
These courageous firefighters died yesterday battling a wildfire in 
Okanogan County. A tragedy of this magnitude is felt throughout 
Washington state, but should also be recognized and mourned by a 
grateful nation.
  This is the nation's deadliest wildfire since 1994. On behalf of the 
citizens of Washington State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the 
families of the four brave men and women who gave their lives to 
protect their neighbors. Squad Leader Tom Craven of Ellensburg, Devin 
Weaver of Yakima, Jessica Johnson of Yakima, and Karen Fitzpatrick of 
Yakima gave their lives to keep us safe. This tragedy is compounded 
because these firefighters were so young--the youngest being just 18 
years old.
  We join their families and friends in mourning their loss.
  As Senator Murray pointed out, this tragedy reminds us that we often 
take for granted the men and women who routinely put their lives on the 
line to protect us. Every state in the nation has experienced the loss 
of people involved in fighting fires.
  I hope the families and friends of these brave firefighters know that 
the courage and sacrifice of their loved ones will not be forgotten and 
that our sympathies reach out to their families.
  I also want to recognize the hard work of those firefighters who are 
still fighting; to those who are injured, I also wish them a speedy 
recovery. The firefighters of the U.S. Forest Service come from all 
over the country. They have been battling fires for years. This year 
alone, 300 firefighting personnel are available on the Okanogan and 
Wenatchee National Forests. These firefighters work year after year in 
service to their country with little recognition.
  On behalf of the residents of Washington State and the Nation, I 
thank

[[Page S7536]]

them for their hard work and their dedication under very trying 
circumstances. We all remember the sacrifice that each and every one of 
you have made.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Miller). The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the order for 
the quorum call be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak in 
morning business for up to 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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