[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO ROBERT MORRISON AND DEREK MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, May 3, 2002 was a sad day for the City of 
St. Louis and for our entire community. On that day, St. Louis 
Firefighters Robert Morrison and Derek Martin were killed, fighting a 
fire in the performance of their duty.
  Although neither thought of himself as a hero, Firefighters Morrison 
and Martin, both 38 years old, were heroes in the truest sense of the 
word. They risked their lives every day to protect the citizens of St. 
Louis, and considered that they were just doing their jobs. They didn't 
become firefighters for the money or to become famous. They joined the 
Fire Department out of a sense of duty to their community and a desire 
to help others. Their belief in duty and honor and self-sacrifice 
formed their lives, and was reflected in the way they conducted 
themselves on and off the job.
  Mr. Speaker, the loss of these fine young men is a great tragedy. 
Their wives have lost their loving companionship; their children have 
lost the love, guidance and example of very special men. The entire St. 
Louis Community grieves with these families. Firefighters Robert 
Morrison and Derek Martin have left a legacy of decency and bravery 
that won't be soon forgotten, and we are grateful to have had them 
among us.

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