[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 7, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DANIEL LEE SILVERNAIL

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I am saddened to report the 
passing of one of South Dakota's heroic firefighters, Daniel Lee 
Silvernail.
  After a lengthy battle with diabetes, Dan passed away on May 4, 2003. 
Born in Sturgis, SD, October 9, 1982, to Dennis and Sherry Silvernail, 
Dan attended Lead-Deadwood Schools and was a volunteer counselor at the 
Diabetes Incorporated Camp for kids. Responding to the call to serve 
his State early, Dan was a team leader for the Junior Lead-Deadwood 
Fire Department before becoming an active member of the Lead-Deadwood 
Fire Department.
  Dan Silvernail was a highly respected firefighter and his help in 
last year's Colorado's wild fires, countless hours on the Grizzly Gulch 
Fire in South Dakota, and most recently in Texas to help with the 
cleanup from the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster will serve as a 
reminder of his profound desire to serve his State and Nation. He was 
greatly admired by his peers for his dedication to his community and 
local concerns and his love for helping others is what set him apart 
from other outstanding South Dakotans.
  A native of South Dakota, Dan is survived by his father, Dennis 
Silvernail; stepmother, Kelly Silvernail; mother, Sherry Silvernail; 
sister, LeAnn Silvernail; brother, Casey Kendall; grandparents, Art and 
George Ann Silvernail, and Jim and Marlys Eggleston; step-grandparents, 
Keith and Marilyn Harrison; friends LeRoy and Roy; aunts, uncles, 
cousins and fellow firefighters.
  Through his outstanding community involvement and activism, the lives 
of countless South Dakotans were enormously enhanced. His work will 
continue to be an inspiration to his fellow members of the Lead Fire 
Department, and also to all those who knew him. Our Nation and South 
Dakota are far better places because of his life, and while we miss him 
very much, the best way to honor his life is to emulate his commitment 
to public service and to his community.

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