[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S2006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING VINCE KIROL, DARCY DENGEL, AND PAUL ERICKSON

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of three Montanans, 
three true public servants and American heroes who passed away last 
week in my home State of Montana.
  Today, Senator Baucus and I grieve with the city of Great Falls and 
the State of Montana. I ask that we keep the families of the three 
victims of a Mercy Flight air ambulance crash in our thoughts and 
prayers. Their colleagues at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls and across 
my State are mourning, remembering, and honoring the lives of Vince 
Kirol, Darcy Dengel, and Paul Erickson.
  Vince, Darcy, and Paul died when their plane went down on a routine 
flight from Great Falls to Bozeman Tuesday night to pick up a patient. 
I ask that we in this body hold these three in highest esteem as public 
servants who selflessly risked their own lives to help others.
  Vince Kirol was a pilot for 40 years. He flew for Mercy Flight the 
last 12 of those years. Vince has left an everlasting footprint on 
Montana.
  Darcy Dengel, a registered flight nurse, was only 27 years of age. 
She was engaged to be married to a Great Falls police officer. Darcy 
will not be forgotten.
  Paul Erickson was a Great Falls firefighter and paramedic. We will 
never forget the service Paul left behind. It has changed lives 
forever.
  In this body, we speak often of the value of public service. These 
three Montanans lived it every day. Too often, we are reminded of the 
sacrifices of our first responders, firefighters, police officers, 
nurses, and doctors. I ask my colleagues and all Americans to take a 
moment, when we can, to thank those who put their lives on the line 
serving this country at home. We owe them so much.
  With great respect for these fine three Montanans, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Massachusetts.

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