[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 107 (Friday, July 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FIREFIGHTERS ANTHONY V. MURDICK AND SCOTT B. WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA A. HART

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2001

  Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I take the floor today to pay tribute to two 
fallen heroes. Anthony Murdick and Scott Wilson were volunteer 
firefighters in Unionville, Pennsylvania, who drowned while trying to 
recover the body of a kayaker in Slippery Rock Creek in Slippery Rock 
Township, on April 8 of this year. Their deaths were the first in the 
line of duty in the 64-year history of the Unionville Volunteer Fire 
Company. Their lives and act of bravery are being honored at a memorial 
service this Saturday, July 26 in Slippery Rock Township.
  Firefighters Murdick and Wilson, both from Butler, Pennsylvania, 
traveled similar paths in life. Both were 25 years old; both graduated 
from Butler High School; and both joined the Unionville Volunteer Fire 
Company as junior firefighters. Murdick and Wilson were also 
experienced divers. However, the creek's swift current prevented the 
firefighters from resurfacing after their dive to retrieve the body of 
the drowned Ambridge man.
  In other ways, Murdick and Wilson's lives were very different. 
Murdick worked as a landscaper, and as a structural firefighter for the 
VA Medical Center in Butler. He was also taking classes to become a 
code-enforcement officer. Murdick is survived by his fiancee, Beth 
McCurdy, and their son, Talan.
  Wilson graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's criminal 
justice training program. He worked with the Butler Ambulance Service, 
served as a 911-operator, and also served as the director of the 
ambulance authority in Wetzel County. At the time of his death, Wilson 
was an instructor at the Butler County Area Vocational Technical 
School. Wilson is survived by his wife, Tracy, and son, Cole.
  The act of courage and commitment that these men showed is 
extraordinary. Without fear or hesitation, Murdick and Wilson dove into 
the swift waters of Slippery Rock Creek, as their job called upon them 
to do. On Saturday, these two men will be honored for their valiant act 
by family, friends, fellow firefighters, and members of the community 
of Slippery Rock Township. I join them in their tribute and hope that 
others find inspiration in their sense of duty and selfless service 
just as I have.

                          ____________________