[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1669-E1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE NEW JERSEY URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2001

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to praise the members of the State of 
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management's Urban Search and Rescue 
Team (NJTF-1), who responded to the call for assistance in New York 
City after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
  I had the privilege of spending time with their members who have 
created a tent city at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center. They are 
among the best-trained rescue personnel anywhere, and no one works 
harder than they do. They, along with the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency and others, have risen to the challenge of last week's tragedy.
  Within hours after the attack on the World Trade Center, the New 
Jersey Urban Search and Rescue Team were in New York City volunteering 
to assist in the immediate search for victims. The team stayed in New 
York City for nine days, away from their families, and in harm's way, 
in order to help those in need. Tomorrow, they return to their homes 
and jobs in New Jersey. First NJTF-1 will stop at their deployment 
center in Lakehurst where their families and friends will celebrate 
their service to their fellow citizens.
  On behalf of all of New Jersey's residents, I am proud of these 
dedicated men and women and proud they serve not only the people of New 
Jersey, but all the people of the United States. They, like so many of 
New Jersey's fire, police, and emergency medical technicians, deserve 
our praise and our thanks for their efforts in Manhattan. They have 
served as a bright light of hope in our days of darkness and are a 
testament to the unyielding will of the American people and the 
strength of our democracy.
  I urge all my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring them for 
their dedication and their heroism.

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