[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1419-E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO KIM GRANHOLM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero. 
Captain Kim Granholm, a member of the Esko, Minnesota Volunteer Fire 
Department, was tragically killed in the line of duty while fighting a 
car fire on Interstate 35 near Duluth on July 1, 2002.
  Captain Granholm was only 28 when he died, but his legacy will 
continue for years to come. For four years, he was a dedicated member 
of the Esko Volunteer Fire Department where he was loved and respected 
by his fellow firefighters. In the outpouring of grief for Kim 
Granholm, more than 1,000 people attended his funeral, including 
hundreds of firefighters and emergency workers from across the state of 
Minnesota.

[[Page E1420]]

  Captain Granholm was a caring man who put his wife Aliina and their 
children Robyn and Alyssa above all else. Captain Granholm's caring and 
compassionate spirit guided him throughout his short life and his 
kindnesses are lasting tributes to all he touched. Kim Granholm died 
doing what he loved to do, serving his community. He was a father, a 
husband, a friend and a firefighter. Most of all, he was a hero to all 
of us.
  Most troubling of all is the brutal reality that Kim Granholm was 
killed when a motorist failed to slow his vehicle at the fire scene. I 
am encouraged that Esko Fire Chief Jeff Juntunen and his Minnesota fire 
fighter colleagues are working with the Minnesota State Legislature to 
enact legislation that will impose severe penalties on drivers who 
speed through an emergency scene. I commend Chief Juntunen for this 
important initiative which, when enacted, will serve as a lasting 
tribute to Captain Kim Granholm.
  Since September 11, we have witnessed throughout the land a 
heightened awareness of the public service and dedication of those 
first responders who answer the call. All Americans should go further 
and demonstrate our profound appreciation of these brave men and women 
by exercising caution at emergency scenes to enable these fire, police 
and emergency workers to do their job in a less hazardous environment.

                          ____________________