[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           PAYING TRIBUTE TO DURANGO/LA PLATA COUNTY AIRPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the men and women of Durango/La Plata County Airport for 
their service and dedication during one of Colorado's most formidable 
fire seasons. Last summer, the men and women of the Durango/La Plata 
County Airport played an integral role in containing the Missionary 
Ridge forest fire that burned over 70,000 acres in Southwestern 
Colorado. Today, I would like to pay tribute to their heroic efforts 
before this body of Congress and this nation.
  When the Missionary Ridge fire first erupted last June, the citizens 
of Durango, Bayfield and the surrounding communities called upon the 
Durango/La Plata County Airport to protect their loved ones, homes, and 
communities from what would become the worst fire in area history. The 
fire began in a ditch beside Missionary Ridge Road just 15 miles 
northeast of Durango and grew to consume more than 70,000 acres, 56 
residences, and 27 outbuildings.
  Although the Missionary Ridge fire was a devastating reminder of how 
destructive forest fires can be, it also served to remind us of the men 
and women who risk their lives to protect their fellow citizens on a 
daily basis. The Durango/La Plata County Airport aided firefighters 
with slurry bombings to help contain fires that were too severe to 
contain from the ground. They also provided valuable medical supplies 
to fire fighters who had been injured during the event.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the men 
and women of Durango/La Plata County Airport before this body of 
Congress and this nation. I want to commend everyone at the Durango/La 
Plata Airport for their determination, courage, and resolve during last 
summer's efforts on Missionary Ridge. Without the help of the men and 
women of the Durango/La Plata Airport and others, the added devastation 
to our community, environment, and quality of life would have been 
unimaginable. Their tireless commitment throughout the last summer's 
fire season has served as an inspiration to us all and it is an honor 
to represent such an outstanding group of Americans in this Congress.

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