[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO TAMERA BICKETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the life and legacy of Tamera ``Tami'' Bickett of Powell 
Butte, Oregon. Tami bravely battled the Storm King Mountain Fire 
outside the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1994, but succumbed 
to the blaze along with thirteen fellow firefighters while working to 
protect the City. I personally served as a firefighter and understand 
the risks they face each and every day. Witnessing the awful inferno 
that fateful July day, I know Tami and her comrades battled the fire 
with the utmost courage and valor. With the tenth anniversary of the 
Storm King Fire approaching, I believe it appropriate to recognize the 
sacrifice Tami and the Storm King Firefighters made on behalf of a 
grateful community, state and nation.
   Born and raised in Lebanon, Oregon, Tami was a competitive athlete 
in high school, participating on the cross-country and volleyball 
teams. In her senior year of high school, she represented her community 
as a Strawberry Festival princess. Tami joined the U.S. Forest Service 
in 1988, and was a Squad Boss for the Prineville Hotshots, an elite 
group of firefighters who specialize in wildland fire suppression. She 
enjoyed the challenging rigors of fighting fires, even when injuries 
sustained on the job made her work difficult. She was a dedicated 
member of her crew, and received a great deal of satisfaction from 
helping others. Above all, she was devoted to her family and friends.
   Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation to pay tribute to the life and memory of Firefighter Tamera 
Bickett. Tami personified the Hotshots credo of Safety, Teamwork and 
Professionalism; putting herself in harm's way for unfamiliar people 
and places. She made the ultimate sacrifice doing what she loved, and 
I, along with the Glenwood Springs community and the State of Colorado 
are eternally grateful to this brave young woman.

                          ____________________