[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING EMERGENCY SERVICE WORKERS DURING LOCAL HEROES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, it is particularly fitting, in the wake of 
the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 and the courageous and 
selfless acts of heroism by New York's police, firefighters and rescue 
workers which were witnessed and acclaimed by the world, that we extend 
our gratitude to police, fire and emergency service workers in all of 
America's communities. The citizens of Bell County and Copperas Cove, 
Texas in my congressional district are honoring these public servants, 
from November 18-24, during the 10th observance of Local Heroes Week.
  This expression of appreciation to our local public safety workers 
for their service to Central Texas, which has grown every year since 
its inception in 1992, raises funds from area businesses and 
organizations to endow scholarships at Central Texas College for their 
immediate families.
  As a community, we owe a special thanks to the police officers, fire 
fighters and emergency workers we honor and our sincere appreciation to 
those who organize Local Heroes Week. The recent tragedies at the World 
Trade Center in New York and at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia 
remind us that every day, in every city and county in the country, 
these men and women put their lives on the line to protect us from 
harm.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the Members of the House of Representatives to 
join me in honoring these local heroes, in Copperas Cove and Bell 
County, and across the nation. They define the spirit of public service 
and we are grateful.

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