[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 31, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE MEMORY OF SAMUEL W. DOWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 31, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Samuel W. Downing, who passed away June 30, 2007, at the age of 45. 
Captain Downing, who served with distinction in the Mobile Fire-Rescue 
Department, was a pillar of the Mobile community and will be deeply 
missed.
  Captain Downing, a native of Wilmer, Alabama, was a resident of 
Mobile County. He served with the department for more than 21 years and 
was a shift supervisor for Engine 15 and the Hazardous Material 
Response Team at Gus Rehm Fire Station. In 1995, Captain Downing 
received the Firefighter's Creed Award.
  A colleague recalled Captain Downing's sincere passion for his job. 
He particularly enjoyed when school groups would tour the fire station. 
Rather than having them simply walk through the fire station to see the 
fire trucks and the sleeping quarters, Captain Downing did his best to 
entertain as well as educate the children. He would also let the kids 
try on the fire suits and even practice using the fire hose.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
the life of Samuel W. Downing. He will be sorely missed by many but 
most by his beloved wife, Lisa; his three children Cody, Victoria, and 
Colton; and his brother Wayne. Our thoughts and prayers are with them 
all during this difficult time.

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