[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO KEVIN DOWDELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I pay 
tribute to New York City firefighter Kevin Dowdell who passed away on 
September 11, 2001. Kevin died tragically while carrying out the very 
acts of selflessness and bravery that were the hallmark of his life. As 
his family mourns this loss, I believe it is appropriate to remember 
Kevin and pay tribute to him for his many contributions to his country.
  As a distinguished firefighter in the New York City Fire Department, 
Kevin dedicated his life to serving and protecting others, and embodied 
the spirit of courage and bravery that has sustained this country 
during these times of tragedy and mourning. Not only was Kevin one of 
New York's bravest, but he was also one of this country's bravest. It 
is because of men like Kevin Dowdell that all of us, as Americans, can 
hold our heads high and take comfort in the fact that we live in the 
greatest country on Earth, and among the most courageous and 
extraordinary people on Earth.
  Kevin's mother, Gloria--a long-time resident of Colorado--remembers 
that Kevin had dreams of becoming a firefighter from the time he was 
four years old. After realizing that lifelong dream, Kevin excelled as 
a firefighter, becoming an expert in difficult rescues and garnering 
high praise from both his colleagues and superiors alike. Not only was 
Kevin an exceptional firefighter, but he was, perhaps more importantly, 
an exceptional father, husband, brother and son. The selflessness that 
propelled him to a career as a firefighter was even more evident in his 
family life. He tirelessly gave his time, love and energy to each and 
every member of his family, taking them on tours through New York, 
playing in his son's band and organizing family vacations. He is 
survived by his loving wife RoseEllen and his two sons Patrick and 
James.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Kevin 
Dowdell, but take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is 
overshadowed only by the legacy of courage, selflessness and love that 
Kevin left with all of us. His life is the very embodiment of all that 
makes this country great, and I am deeply honored to be able to bring 
the attention of this body of Congress to his life. It is in times of 
great tragedy and hardship that true heroes emerge, and I am proud to 
say Kevin Dowdell is a hero not only to me, but to his family, his 
friends and to this country.

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