[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO HONOR THE PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT'S URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM/
                          ARIZONA TASK FORCE-1

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2001

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor a group of 
true American heroes who are a source of great pride for Phoenix, 
Arizona and our country. The group of people I am speaking about are 
the Phoenix Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue Team/Arizona Task 
Force-1. Sixty-three members of this 200-member team, also known as 
Phoenix Fire AZTF-1 traveled from Phoenix to New York City on Sept. 19 
to offer their assistance to their fellow firefighters in New York and 
other rescuers helping in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 destruction of 
the World Trade Centers.
  The Phoenix team, which consists of rescue and technical specialists, 
doctors, paramedics, canine search specialists, logistics specialists, 
structural engineers, hazardous materials specialists, a chaplain and 
task force managers, was among the group of rescuers summoned to New 
York City by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist public 
safety officials. Although they knew a grim task was before them, they 
considered it to be an honor to be selected to help out in this time of 
national tragedy. Eagerly, they awaited to be called to duty in New 
York City and once they were called, they transported a cache that 
included 60,000 pounds of specialized equipment, making them fully 
self-sufficient upon arrival at the scene of the World Trade Center.
  Upon arrival, the Phoenix team tirelessly and passionately used their 
expertise to help other firefighters and public safety officials dig 
through the rubble for survivors and bodies of the victims. They 
remained focused on the task, knowing that some of the victims would be 
other firefighters, police officers or public safety officials. 
Surrounded by human tragedy, they steadfastly worked for a week 
assisting where they could.
  Personally, I was very moved when I visited the World Trade Center 
disaster site on Sept. 22 and ran into this team from my hometown. I 
was filled with pride to see them at work in New York, knowing that 
they were helping America, again, in its time of need. As you may know, 
AZTF-1 also was called to duty to Oklahoma City after the bombing in 
1995.
  Most of us don't have dangerous jobs and will probably never face the 
devastation seen at the World Trade Center. But everyday, firefighters 
risk the greatest gift of all--their lives-- to save lives. They do it 
unhesitatingly and with a sense of duty. The incidents of Sept. 11 were 
very tragic, but the united effort by all firefighters and emergency 
service workers who came together on that horrible day will always be 
an example to all Americans that this country is at its strongest when 
we work together. I thank them for that lesson and with great pride, I 
ask you and my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Firefighters 
from Phoenix Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue Team/Arizona 
Task Force-1.

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