[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6778-S6779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMENDING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY RESCUE TEAMS

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the efforts and 
extraordinary dedication of the volunteer firefighters and emergency 
rescue teams throughout New Mexico who have been working tirelessly to 
assist in fighting fires and meeting the needs of citizens throughout 
the State as they cope with the worst fire season in decades.
  It has already been an incredibly difficult fire season for the 
people of the Southwest. New Mexico is suffering a drought of historic 
proportions. The State spent the winter preparing for a summer fire 
season they hoped wouldn't happen. Unfortunately, the worst fears of 
the State are quickly becoming a reality. By the end of June, more than 
100,000 acres of land will have burned and the State will have already 
faced more than 20 named fires and countless unnamed fires of varying 
size and intensity. Hundreds of people have been evacuated, property 
lost, and communities changed forever. Bear Paw, Rivera Mesa, Energen, 
Martinez, Skates, Bear, Eicks, Wilson, and Malpais, are the names of 
just a few of the large fires that the State has already faced this 
year.
  Throughout this time I have been deeply impressed by the work of 
Federal, State, Tribal, and local fire fighters. But the work of these 
professionals would be impossible without the commitment of the 
volunteer firefighters and rescue teams who have unfailingly answered 
the call to service. These volunteers exemplify the best spirit of New 
Mexico. They have courageously worked the fire lines, offered their 
support and a shoulder to cry on, provided a bed and warm meal to 
evacuees, and helped to corral and move pets and livestock out of 
harm's way. They do all this while some of their own families and homes 
face the same fire danger. While I am not surprised at the selflessness 
of my fellow New Mexicans, I am forever grateful to these volunteers.
  The work of these volunteer firefighters and rescue teams has been 
essential in meeting the challenges of a very active fire season. 
Throughout New Mexico volunteer firefighters and rescue teams have 
responded at all times of the day and night. Some have worked for many 
days in a row to ensure that all the needs of their community were met 
and the necessary resources were in place. Their bravery and 
selflessness has been an example to all New Mexicans, and I strongly 
commend them for their work.
  I know that I am joined today by every New Mexican in saying thank 
you to our volunteer firefighters and rescue teams and in the hope for 
their continued safety in the face of the fire dangers they face.

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