[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PAYING TRIBUTE TO: DURANGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the Durango Police Department for their service and 
dedication during one of Colorado's most formidable fire seasons. Last 
summer, the Durango Police Department 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 Police Department 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 Police Department has roots reaching back to 
1881, when one marshal and two deputies were solely responsible for law 
enforcement in the area. Today, the Department has 50 sworn officers 
under the leadership of Chief Al Bell. During the Missionary Ridge 
Fire, the Durango Police Department turned their resources to numerous 
emergency activities, including over 200 hours debriefing emergency 
workers, firefighters, police officers, as well as Red Cross 
volunteers, to help them cope with the tragedy. The personnel and 
resources devoted to this summer's fires by the Durango Police 
Department illustrate the dedication and readiness with which these men 
and women serve the citizens of Durango.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the 
Durango Police Department before this body of Congress and this nation. 
I want to commend all of the employees of the Durango Police Department 
for their determination, courage, and resolve during last summer's 
efforts on Missionary Ridge. Without the help of the Durango Police 
Department and others, the added devastation to our community, 
environment, and quality of life would have been unimaginable. Their 
tireless commitment throughout the summer's exhaustive 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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