[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2639-E2640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING AND APPRECIATING AMERICA'S FIRE FIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN CAMPBELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. CAMPBELL of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my 
colleagues to support H. Res. 695, a resolution calling for the 
creation of a ``National Fire Fighter Appreciation Day''. I introduced 
this legislation to celebrate and honor the brave men and women of 
America's fire departments. Since 1735, professional and volunteer fire 
fighters have been an invaluable facet of our communities, towns, and 
cities. Ever vigilant, this Nation's fire fighters respond quickly to 
emergencies of all kinds and protect and save lives each and every day. 
From the earliest days of Benjamin Franklin's Union Fire Company to the 
famous fire departments of New York City, Chicago, and Boston, every 
fire station in this country has a proud history and tradition of 
distinguished service. Today, over one million fire fighters answer the 
call of duty and perform extraordinary acts of selflessness and valor 
without hesitation.
  In my district alone, the Orange County Fire Authority serves 22 
cities with approximately 1,000 fire fighting personnel protecting over 
one million residents. Southern California's beautiful, yet volatile 
environment is prone to natural disasters, flash floods, and wildfires. 
Every year, Orange County fire fighters place themselves on the front 
lines of these disasters and tirelessly work day and night to rescue 
endangered residents and prevent damage to cities and land. Recently, 
we watched as these fire fighters joined those from several other 
southwestern states to successfully battle the wildfires that raged 
across Southern California in October. I commend the tremendous bravery 
of Orange Country fire fighters and am proud to honor each one today on 
the Floor of the House.
  As internal and external threats facing this country change 
constantly, the role of the fire fighter has also modified and 
expanded. Not only do fire fighters defend our homes and buildings from 
fire, the highly trained personnel of the fire department provide 
emergency medical services, hazardous material response, special rescue 
response, and terrorism response. Whether it be a daring rescue of a 
family trapped in a burning house, preventing a forest fire from 
spreading, responding to the scene of an accident, or providing medical 
assistance at the location of a terrorist attack, fire fighters 
significantly impact the lives of Americans every day. And, in some 
cases, fire fighters have paid the ultimate price and given their lives 
to protect their surrounding communities. We will never forget these 
fallen heroes.
  In light of the exceptional service of fire fighters across this 
nation and with full recognition and great respect of their quiet 
courage and valor, I ask that you join me in support of this resolution 
to express the desire of the House of Representatives for the 
establishment of a ``National Fire Fighter Appreciation Day'' to be 
observed annually. While we can never thank these men and women enough, 
this proposed national day of honor is a fitting tribute to those that 
keep sentinel watch over our lives and property.
  Madam Speaker, I'm proud to honor America's fire fighters today.

[[Page E2640]]



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