[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO DEDICATED MEMBERS OF THE WEST BOYLSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Chief Ron 
Goodale, Deputy Chief Alvin Barakian, Deputy Chief Thomas J. Welsh, 
Chief Duncan Gillies, Firefighter, Paul Henault, and Chief Aaron 
Goodale, III from the town of West Boylston, Massachusetts who have 
retired after many years of dedicated service with the West Boylston 
Fire Department.
  These men put their lives on the line every day to protect the 
citizens of West Boylston. Because of their efforts through the years, 
many lives and a great deal of property have been saved. Countless 
times these brave men have entered burning buildings or responded as 
Emergency Medical Technicians in order to save lives.
  The town of West Boylston is very fortunate to have an outstanding 
fire department. As we all know--and as the tragedies of September 11th 
reminded us--the job of a firefighter is not an easy one. It takes a 
special person to perform the duties required of firefighters. That 
duty involves one risking one's life every day. Through the years, 
these men and their colleagues have performed admirably. Their 
community is grateful for their work, and so am I.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize these outstanding men, and 
I know the entire U.S House of Representatives joins me in extending 
our best wishes to them and their families for a happy and healthy 
retirement.

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