[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PAYING TRIBUTE TO WEST ELK MOUNTAIN RESCUE

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the West Elk 
Mountain Rescue team, a dedicated group of people from my home district 
who risk their lives so that others might live. This 22 member rescue 
team is composed of dedicated men and women that volunteer using their 
own resources to equip themselves with the knowledge to find and rescue 
people in need. I want to take this opportunity to recognize their many 
years of service to their community before this body of Congress and 
this Nation.
  The WEMR was created in 1996 and works under the authority of the 
Gunnison County Sheriff's office. The team consists of mainly men and 
women, but also includes a five-year old golden retriever/labrador mix 
rescue dog who aides local and national law enforcement agencies. The 
human members of the team come from Crawford, Hotchkiss, Paonia, 
Cedaredge, and Eckert to cover a search area encompassing both Delta 
and Gunnison counties. Team members are certified and trained in CPR/
First Aid, emergency medical technicians, avalanche rescue, water 
rescue, technical rock climbing skills, and general rescue. The group 
acquires many of its members from people who were once in need of the 
team's services.
  Mr. Speaker, West Elk Mountain Rescue is a dedicated group of people 
who avail themselves to the community everyday of the year to provide 
search and rescue expertise to those in dire need. These brave men and 
women risk danger to their own lives and take time away from their 
families to serve others. Their dedication to their community is highly 
commendable and I am honored to recognize their service before this 
body of Congress and this Nation.

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