[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF AMERICA'S FIREFIGHTERS

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                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, Please allow me to extend my thanks and 
gratitude to a class of extraordinary Americans who put their lives on 
the line daily for the security of our nation and its citizens--our 
firefighters. Yesterday marked National Firefighter's Day, and it is 
important for us to realize that in almost any emergency, the first 
agency called is the fire department--putting America's firemen and 
women among our nation's first lines of defense.
  Every hour of every day, the 21,000 fire companies across the nation 
stand ready to answer the call. In my home state of Louisiana, nearly 
20,000 firefighters in 592 departments are prepared to encounter any 
threat. While we may not see these men and women every day, their 
importance is unquestioned when an emergency arises.
  Not only do firefighters provide our citizens with dependability in 
security, but their record of civic duty is long withstanding. 
Firefighters dedicate much of their free time to volunteer in their 
local communities. We've seen them at the grocery stores and 
intersections, encouraging citizens to ``Fill the Boot'' to contribute 
to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, for which they've raised nearly 
$200 million over the past 50 years. When off-duty, a firefighter will 
often stop to help a stranded motorist, render aid at an accident, or 
just stop whatever they are doing to help. Our quality of life in 
America is better thanks to the services of our law enforcement, first 
responders and firefighters.
  The security role our firefighters retain has evolved beyond just 
putting out fires. Our firefighters now deal with hazardous material 
response and medical emergencies. They train to be first responders and 
paramedics, comprise search and rescue squads to retrieve trapped 
victims in burning or collapsed buildings, and extract injured persons 
from car accidents. Some departments also have SCUBA teams and high 
angle rescuers.
  The role of our firefighters changed forever when we witnessed 343 of 
them give their lives just two years ago. On 9/11, hundreds of 
firefighters rushed up the stairs of the burning World Trade Center, as 
everyone else was rushing down and out of the building. They saved 
thousands with their selfless bravery.
  Now, after 9/11, we see more than ever the vital role firefighters 
play in our nation's security and preparedness. There should be no 
doubt that our firefighters remain squarely on the front lines of 
homeland security; and if terrorists strike again, they will be the 
first ones on the scene risking it all for our well being.
  On National Firefighter's Day--and everyday--let's remember to say 
``thanks'' to all of our brave and selfless firefighters.




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