[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1749]]



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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H. Con. Res. 476 and all of America's firefighters, especially those 
who have died in the line of duty.
  As a proud Member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I think 
it is fitting and appropriate that we set aside time to pay tribute to 
our nation's firefighters, men and women who have dedicated their lives 
so that the rest of us can sleep in peace. The threat of fire and the 
calamity an actual fire often creates is a day-to-day concern for all 
our communities, not to mention the added threats of terrorism now 
confronting us.
  In 1992, on behalf of the more than one million firefighters in over 
32,000 fire departments nationally, Congress rightly created the 
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to 
remember our nation's fallen firefighters and their families. Since its 
creation, this foundation has assisted many family members, helping 
them overcome the loss of their fallen champions. Within hours of the 
September 11th tragedy, the foundation established a process that used 
resources from across the country to provide the critical support that 
members of the Fire Department of New York City and their families 
needed.
  This weekend the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor 
the 442 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to 
their communities last year, including those lost in the World Trade 
Center's disaster. Also to be honored are five firefighters from my 
state of New Jersey who served with pride and honor and who dedicated 
their lives to protect others in their communities. Willie Barns, 
George ``June'' Danielson, Jr., James T. Heenan, Alberto Tirado, and 
Lawrence James Webb are New Jersey's fallen heros. They will be honored 
for their ultimate acts of valor this weekend. My prayers and the 
prayers of New Jerseyans everywhere will be with them and their 
families.
  Madam Speaker, our firefighters and emergency personnel who stand at 
the ready to protect and help us around the clock deserve our support 
and dedication. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote YES on H. 
Con. Res. 476.

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