[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H10304-H10305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LATE RICK LUPE, BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS FORT APACHE 
                                 AGENCY

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 237) honoring the late Rick Lupe, 
lead forestry technician for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache 
Agency, for his dedication and service to the United States and for his 
essential service in fighting wildfires and protecting the environment 
and communities of Arizona.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 237

       Whereas Rick Lupe served as lead forestry technician for 
     the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency and was a 
     long-time firefighter whose legendary intellect and skills 
     made him a hero in 2002 when he saved the town of Show Low, 
     Arizona, from the Rodeo-Chediski fire;
       Whereas Rick Lupe and his crew of firefighters dug the fire 
     line at Hop Canyon and created a back burn that stopped the 
     fire from crossing U.S. 60;
       Whereas Rick Lupe died on Thursday, June 19, 2003, as a 
     result of severe burns sustained in a prescribed fire 
     conducted in May;
       Whereas throughout his career, Rick Lupe was a strong 
     advocate of the prescribed burn program and supported and 
     knew the value of fuels treatment programs;
       Whereas Rick Lupe was extremely dedicated to his work and 
     performed his job at the highest level;
       Whereas friends and colleague describe Rick Lupe as ``. . . 
     a shining example of a firefighter . . . super safety-
     conscious, and his family is his love and pride''; and
       Whereas Rick Lupe is survived by his wife of 21 years, 
     Evelyn, and their three sons, Sean, 19, who is studying 
     forestry at Northern Arizona University, Daniel, 16, who is 
     in high school, and Brent, 9, who is in grade school: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress recognizes and honors the late 
     Rick Lupe for his dedication and service to the United 
     States, for his long and essential service in fighting 
     wildfires and caring for the environment, and for ultimately 
     sacrificing his life for the people of Arizona.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Renzi) and the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).


                             General Leave

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the concurrent resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I introduced legislation that honored 
the lifetime of work and service of a firefighter in Arizona's first 
congressional district. My legislation, H. Con. Res. 237, will allow 
the House of Representatives to honor Mr. Rick Lupe for his 
contributions to the people and the lands of the surrounding 
communities of rural Arizona.
  Mr. Lupe was a forestry technician who worked for the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs for many years. His work with the BIA's Fort Apache 
Agency was both impressive and memorable for all those who came in 
contact with him. Moreover, he was able to touch the lives of many more 
who never had the chance to meet or thank this individual for his 
efforts.
  Those living in my district know Mr. Lupe from his work in saving 
communities like Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, McNary, as well as Hondah 
Homesites from the destruction of the Rodeo-Chediski fire. Under Mr. 
Lupe's great leadership, firefighters created a back-burn that stopped 
the fire line at Hop Canyon so that the fire did not cross a major 
interstate, protecting numerous homes and valuable lives.
  Our country tragically lost Rick Lupe on Thursday June 19, 2003, 
after he survived for 5 weeks in a burn unit from wounds sustained in a 
prescribed fire in May of this year. Mr. Lupe is remembered as a man 
who was a shining example of a firefighter. He took pride in his work 
and even more pride in his family. Mr. Lupe left behind a wonderful 
wife of 21 years, Evelyn, and three sons, Sean, Daniel, and Brent.
  This resolution states that we in Congress should recognize and honor 
Rick Lupe for his immense contributions on behalf of thousands living 
in Arizona. Given the fires that recently raged across Southern 
California and the over 11,000 firefighters that battle the blazes, we 
should never forget how many men and women are putting their lives on 
the line in the same manner that Mr. Lupe did for decades.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring Rick Lupe. I 
look forward to the support of Members of both sides of the aisle with 
regard to H. Con. Res. 237 and its consideration today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  (Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rick 
Lupe, White Mountain Apache, expert firefighter, loving husband, 
devoted father and true hero. Lately, we hear the word ``hero'' tossed 
around often, too often; but I am here to tell you that Mr. Lupe 
deserves this term being used alongside his name forever.
  In his capacity as lead forestry technician and firefighter for the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs, he saved lives and even towns from death and 
destruction. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price, but not before leaving 
a legacy we should all admire.
  Richard Glenn Lupe worked his way up the BIA forestry organization 
through hard work, dependability, and by earning the respect of his 
coworkers and bosses alike. In June of 2000, two wildfires which began 
on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona merged into one 
massive fire which destroyed more than 450 homes and burned over 
460,000 acres of forestlands.
  This fire was the largest wildfire ever in the history of the 
Southwest. However, even more homes and property would have been lost 
had it not been for the tenacity and courage of Rick Lupe and his 
firefighting team. Rick's team set a dozer line strategically placed to 
foil the coming flames, and it worked. His actions saved the towns of 
Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Hondah Homesites, and McNary from certain 
destruction.
  To Evelyn, Rick's wife and life companion of 21 years, and to their 
sons Sean, Daniel, and Brent, I extend my heartfelt sympathies. I hope 
that in some small way the knowledge that we honor the life and work of 
your husband and father here today will comfort you in the months and 
years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page H10305]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 237.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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