[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        17TH ANNUAL DENTON COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL SERVICE

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the fallen men and 
women firefighters who selflessly dedicated their lives to our 
communities.
  Each October, a grateful Nation honors its fallen fire heroes during 
the National Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week is a great 
opportunity to educate all citizens about the dangers of fire and the 
steps they can take to protect themselves. Each year, more than 4,200 
Americans lose their lives to fire. That's more deaths by fire each 
year than all other natural disasters combined. National Fire 
Prevention Week has been observed since 1922 the week of October 9th. 
This marks the date of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In that tragic 
conflagration, more than 250 people were killed. 100,000 were left 
homeless, 17,400 structures were destroyed, and more than 2000 acres 
burned.
  I want to thank Denton's First United Methodist Church for hosting a 
special service in honor of those who gave their lives for those of us 
residing in Denton County. The service and the processional to the 
Denton County Firefighters Memorial Park that concluded the memorial 
service truly honors these heroic men and women. This year marks the 
17th Annual Memorial Service in Denton County.
  I extend my condolences and appreciation to the families and the 
communities of these fallen firefighters. This memorial service acts as 
a tribute to the brave men and women of America's fire service.

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