[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PAYING TRIBUTE TO BLOOMFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the City of Bloomfield Fire Department based in New Mexico 
for their service and dedication during one of Colorado's most 
formidable fire seasons. Last summer, the Bloomfield Fire Department 
played an integral role in containing the Missionary Ridge forest fire 
that burned over 70,000 acres in Southwestern Colorado, and 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 the Durango community called upon the Bloomfield Fire Department to 
protect their loved ones, homes, and property from what would become 
the worst fire in the area's 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 
everyday. The Bloomfield Fire Department contributed 1400 man-hours as 
they worked for 14 days straight to contain the fire, relying on 35 
firefighters, mostly volunteer. Additionally, the community of 
Bloomfield donated more than 16,000 pounds of supplies to those who 
were working to contain the Missionary Ridge Fire.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the 
Bloomfield Fire Department before this body of Congress and this 
nation. I want to commend the brave volunteer firefighters and their 
support staff for their determination, courage, and resolve during last 
summer's efforts on Missionary Ridge. Without the help of this and 
others, the added devastation to our community, environment, and 
quality of life would have been unimaginable. Their tireless commitment 
throughout the fire season has served as an inspiration to us all and I 
am honored to pay tribute to their dedication and commitment to their 
neighbors in Colorado.

                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO FRED W. KLATT III

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT MCINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize Fred W. Klatt III of Durango, Colorado. Mr. Klatt has been a 
dedicated citizen and leader of the Durango community for over 18 
years, and it is my honor to pay tribute to his accomplishments before 
this body of Congress and this nation.
  Fred began his career in public office when he was elected to the 
Durango City Council in 1984, and was elected Mayor in 1987. Following 
his service to the city, Fred was elected La Plata County Commissioner 
in 1990, and served the county for over twelve years. While in office, 
Fred also dedicated his time to several civic boards within the 
community, including San Juan Forum, La Plata County Humane Society, 
Durango Area Chamber Resort Association, Durango Library Board and the 
Durango/La Plata County Airport Commission.
  Fred has also been active in Durango's business community where he 
was the proud owner of Klatt Travel, a local travel agency. Utilizing 
his service as a County Commissioner and a small business owner, Fred 
paid special attention to the concerns of small business owners and 
worked tirelessly in advocating the minimization of government, 
reducing costs and becoming fiscally efficient to create a stronger 
county government. For his significant contributions and endeavors 
within the community, Fred was recognized in 2002 as Durango's Citizen 
of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with honor that I commend Mr. Fred Klatt before 
this body of Congress and this great nation for his dedication to and 
leadership of La Plata County and the City of Durango. His 
contributions have greatly benefited the people of his community and I 
am honored to have this opportunity to represent such a fine Coloradan. 
I wish Fred the best of luck with all of his future endeavors.

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