[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 174 (Friday, December 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE IDA TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2001

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
patriotic citizens of the Ida Township Volunteer Fire Department, which 
has served Ida and the surrounding area for over 63 years. Mr. Speaker, 
these local Michigan heroes stand ready to put their lives on the line 
in service to their community. They are a brave, professional and 
dedicated group, providing a lifeline to all whose lives are in danger.
  The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have brought to light the 
important role firefighters and other first-responders play in 
protecting this country from numerous threats. Not only are they 
prepared to safeguard our communities from everyday tragedies such as 
fires and accidents, but they serve as the first line of response in 
the event of major catastrophes, including terrorism.
  I am proud to represent these courageous individuals and on behalf of 
our local community, thank them for their service. Therefore, it is 
with great pride that I submit the following names of the Ida Township 
Volunteer Fire Department into the Congressional Record in recognition 
of their past and continued service:
  Chief Ed Wertenberger, Lonnie Wertenberger, Troy Stein, Randy 
Stanifer, Paul Metz, Mark Mruzek, Dale Longnecker, Jim Longnecker, Kirt 
Horn, Rocky Oberski, Tim Mata, Scott Desbrough, Shawn Geyman, Mike 
Geyman, Chad Metz, Curtis Durocher, Scott Weeman, Adam Booker, Scott 
Ducharme, Carl Arnold, Curtis Stanifer, Jim Longnecker Sr., Tim 
Wertenberger, Corey Jones and Tyler Stern.
  Mr. Speaker, I note that their hard work is not limited to their 
local community. Two days after the September 11 terrorist attacks, 
Curt Stanifer, Randy Stanifer, Carl Arnold, Scott Ducharme, Mark 
Murzke, Ed Wertenberger, Dale Longnecker, Troy Stein, Rocky Oberski and 
Curt Durocher traveled to New York City, to assist in the rescue and 
recovery efforts. They make this trip at great personal sacrifice and 
risk to their own lives. Accordingly, I salute them for their 
courageousness and commitment to serve others, and I ask my colleagues 
to join me in recognizing these brave individuals.

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