[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF OUR NATION'S FIRST RESPONDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 17, 2002

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, honor, and thank 
our nation's fire, rescue, and police squads. These ``first 
responders'' represent our first line of defense--made all too clear on 
September 11, 2001 and since. And they continue to play an invaluable 
role in our daily lives, serving their local communities, protecting 
our families, and risking their lives for our safety.
  Much has been said about these valiant men and women. The President 
and my colleagues here in Congress understand the indispensable role 
that our local first responders will play in the defense of our nation.
  I can certainly speak of their intrepid actions. On the night of July 
8, 2002, a fire damaged my home in New Jersey. My wife, daughter, and 
grandchildren were present at the time, when a smoke alarm roused them 
from their sleep.
  Members from the Lawrence, Lawrenceville, Pennington, and Union 
police, fire, and rescue squads quickly responded, ensuring the safety 
of my family. And members from Bucks County, Hunterdon County, 
Montgomery, Princeton and West Trenton backed up these departments by 
filling their vacancies and providing mutual support.
  I am fortunate that my family escaped without getting hurt, and I 
would like to thank the men and women serving on the Bucks County, 
Hunterdon County, Lawrence, Lawrenceville, Montgomery, Pennington, 
Princeton, Union, and West Trenton police, fire, and rescue squads for 
promptly responding to my family's 911 call and for containing the fire 
before it caused irreparable damage to my home.
  As legislation establishing a Department of Homeland Security takes 
shape, it is imperative that we include our first responders. Homeland 
Security is hometown security. These brave men and women continue to 
answer our calls everyday, and I share in the admiration and gratitude 
of all Americans in expressing my thanks for their service. All 
Americans could help these men and women by surveying their homes and 
offices for fire and other safety hazards--checking smoke detectors, 
escape plans, and escape routes.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, again, I rise to celebrate and honor these 
brave men and women. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
their local police, fire, and rescue squads.

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