[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR GOALS AND IDEAS OF DAY OF TRIBUTE TO ALL 
                              FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be 
here today to speak in support of H. Con. Res. 476, providing tribute 
to firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
  This Resolution has special meaning to my home community in that last 
year Jeff Chavis, of the Lexington County Fire Service of Lexington, 
South Carolina, lost his life as he courageously fought a fire that 
destroyed a home on the shores of Lake Murray. Jeff was a dedicated 
twenty-two year old firefighter who will always be remembered in South 
Carolina as a symbol of devotion to protecting the public from harm.
  Jeff's death, and then the murderous attack on the World Trade Center 
towers, have reminded all Americans of the courage of firefighters and 
the sacrifice they voluntarily provide. At no time in American history 
has this profession been more appreciated.
  My family has a personal respect for the competence of firefighters. 
The West Columbia Fire Department, led by Chief Barry Anderson, has 
three times saved our family home from a faulty water heater, a stove 
fire, and an electrical short of a television. In each event the 
Department was prompt and thoughtful.
  As a newcomer to Congress, I have been impressed by the quality of my 
colleagues in the House. One whom I have grown to truly respect is the 
author of this Resolution, Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania. I know 
firsthand of his appreciate for and his tireless work on behalf of our 
nation's firefighters.

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