[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF STEPHEN R. DEMBSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2007

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, words can hardly express our admiration 
and gratitude as we note the tragic passing of an awe-inspiring civil 
servant. On Sunday, July 15, 2007 the community of Ridgefield Park, the 
County of Bergen, and the State of New Jersey lost a great hero upon 
the passing of Stephen R. Dembski, 41, after battling a major fire in 
neighboring Bogota. I join Steve's family, friends, and the entire 
community in mourning the loss of such a dedicated public servant.
  A devoted husband and father to his wife Nancy and two children Kyle 
and Raymond, Steve was a pillar of our community. Steve came from a 
long line of firefighters, starting off as a junior firefighter when he 
was 16, becoming a full-fledged firefighter at the Ridgefield Park Hook 
and Ladder Company 2 at age 18, and later serving as chief for 2 years. 
His more than two decades of public service and his commitment to his 
duties as a firefighter reveal his extraordinary dedication to the 
safety and security of his family, friends, and community.
  Firefighters like Steve are willing to give their lives to protect 
the safety of American citizens and willfully advance to the front 
lines of danger to provide assistance to those around them. Each time 
firefighters courageously rush into burning buildings and willingly lay 
their lives on the line for their fellow citizens, their unshakeable 
devotion to others leads us to place our lives and priorities in 
perspective and also helps reaffirm in the hearts of all Americans what 
is really important in life. Firefighters like Steve are essential to 
our communities and help to ensure the safety and security of our great 
nation. Each firefighter is a testament to the indomitable and caring 
spirit that drives our nation and makes America the incredible country 
it is today. This nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Steve 
Dembski for his service to our community. May God bless the Dembski 
family.

                          ____________________