[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1758-E1759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN REMEMBRANCE OF JAMES HENRY HAIGLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
sacrifice of one of our Nation's Fallen Firefighters and one of my 
District's hometown heroes, Mr. James Henry Haigler. Mr. Haigler worked 
for ten years as a Driver with the Sanford Fire Department. He was one 
of the Sanford community's unique group of hometown heroes; the 
firefighters, law enforcement officers, and others who keep our streets 
safe, protect our families and possessions from fire, and are the first 
to respond to an emergency. Our hometown heroes put their lives on the 
line for each of us every day.
  On January 19, 2001, the Sanford Fire Department lost one of its own 
heroes. James suffered heart failure just two hours after completing a 
24-hour shift, leaving behind his wife Renee and his son Dustin. His 
loss was felt deeply in the department and in the community. As a 
firefighter, James displayed selfless

[[Page E1759]]

devotion everyday on our streets and in our communities. ``Big Jim'' as 
he was affectionately known was dedicated and professional, and when we 
called on him, he was ready to lay down his life for us.
  On October 6, 2002, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will 
honor James and many other firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice. 
Every year at the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland, survivors join together to celebrate how these brave men and 
women lived and what they represented in their communities. Members of 
the Sanford Fire Department who served as pallbearers for Mr. Haigler 
and a department escort will accompany Mrs. Haigler and Dustin to the 
ceremony. In addition, Congress, with my support, passed into law a 
resolution calling for all flags to be lowered to half-staff on the day 
of the National Firefighters Memorial Service.
  The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial reminds us that our country 
is filled with hometown heroes, who embody the American spirit. The 
Haigler family, the Sanford community and the family of firefighters 
can be proud of the sacrifice that James Haigler made. The citizens of 
North Carolina and I will make sure that the memory of this hero does 
not soon fade.

                          ____________________