[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO MR. DONALD SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2002

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay honor to a great man. In the aftermath of the September 11th 
terrorist attacks, we have learned the true definition of a hero. A 
hero is a person who risks his life every day for the sake of helping 
others. Donald Smith fits that definition. Mr. Smith served for more 
than 40 years as a member of the Fort Ann, New York, Volunteer Fire 
Company and West Fort Ann, New York, Volunteer Fire Company. His 
service to the community of Fort Ann and the 22d district of New York 
deserves recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, Donald Smith was the epitome of dedication. He worked 
tirelessly in all activities of the fire company, whether it was 
responding to a call, conducting a fundraiser, or simply washing one of 
the fire trucks. He played a vital role in training new firefighters 
and served as a leader for all to follow. His reliability to the 
company was unparalleled. No matter what needed to be done, Mr. Smith 
was always one of the first to respond.
  Mr. Speaker, Donald Smith was a member of the West Fort Ann Volunteer 
Fire Company for only three years before his passing. His service to 
the company was best exemplified through his constant selflessness. He 
did not attend one of the company's annual banquets, because he felt 
that due to his short time with the company, he did not deserve to 
attend for free. His dedication and tireless efforts however, will not 
go unrecognized. On May 26, 2002, Mr. Smith will be honored with the 
Firefighter of the Year award at the West Fort Ann Volunteer Fire 
Company's annual banquet. This is a great honor to a distinguished 
individual, who made a great impression on the community and all those 
he touched and served.
  Mr. Speaker, the life of Donald Smith deserves to be recognized. I 
truly feel that the amount of service one dedicates to the community 
truly measures the extent of one's character. Risking one's life for 
the sake of helping others is extremely admirable. What is most 
striking though, is that Mr. Smith was a volunteer firefighter. He 
committed these brave and courageous acts day in and day out without 
compensation or reward for them. His motivation was simply the desire 
to assist those in his community. Donald Smith was a dedicated 
firefighter and a true hero, Mr. Speaker, and I ask all members to join 
me in paying tribute to him.

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