[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS FROM MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT IN ST. 
                              LOUIS COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2001

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three brave 
firefighters from the Mehlville Fire Protection District in St. Louis 
County. Steve Mossotti, Joe Schmidt and Dave Waser each have, more than 
20 years firefighting experience and service to our community and, in 
addition, are members of the Missouri Urban Search and Rescue Task 
Force 1. The Task Force consists of highly motivated and expertly 
trained search, medical, rescue and technical specialists and are 
utilized as resources to local communities and work directly for the 
local fire department commanders.
  Messrs. Mossotti, Schmidt and Waser were part of the first Task Force 
groups to arrive at ``Ground Zero'' in New York City. They departed 
Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, 
September 11, 2001, as part of the Federal Emergency Management 
response to the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. Their acts 
of heroism over an intense and very dangerous eight-day period at 
Ground Zero are so impressive that it would be easy to overlook the men 
behind these acts. They were not fearless but, in spite of fear, acted 
in a selfless and courageous manner under unimaginable conditions, 
searching for victims of the attack and for the rescuers who lost their 
lives in the line of duty. This is the mark of a true hero.
  These men belong to a very special group, and the memories unique to 
their experience at Ground Zero will remain with them all their lives. 
They will never forget those who paid the ultimate price. I pray that 
we will never forget the profound debt of gratitude we owe to them, and 
to all who responded by giving their best in this time of the Nation's 
great need. Their acts of bravery and their commitment to the Nation 
and to their fellow men exemplify the highest and best tradition of 
fire and rescue workers everywhere. We owe Steve Mossotti, Joe Schmidt 
and Dave Waser our most profound gratitude.
  Now that they are safely home in Missouri, I join the residents of 
Garden Villas South in paying them special tribute at this ceremony 
today, Saturday, October 27, 2001. Gentlemen, we as a nation commend 
you again, and thank you for your selfless courage. You have made us 
proud.

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