[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 30 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LOWER SOUTHAMPTON FIRE DEPARTMENT ON ITS 77TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2008

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the Lower Southampton Fire Department on the occasion of its 77th 
anniversary. The Lower Southampton Fire Department has a long and 
commendable history of public service.
  Since receiving its charter on July 31, 1931, the Lower Southampton 
Fire Department has supported and protected the residents of our 
community dutifully and honorably. When called upon, the firefighters 
of the Lower Southampton Fire Department have not been daunted by even 
the most dangerous of challenges. Their daily efforts to ensure the 
safety of the people of Lower Southampton are inspiring, and that is 
why I am proud to recognize them on this important anniversary.
  Just recently, several of these firefighters once again displayed the 
courage and heroism that has been so characteristic of their 
department. While preparing for an Advanced Swift Water Class, the 
firefighters observed a man, alone and without a lifejacket, who had 
flipped his kayak and appeared to be in distress. Despite the rapid 
speed and low temperature of the water, the firefighters acted quickly, 
with little concern for their own safety, and performed a successful 
rescue.
  The courageous members of the Lower Southampton Fire Department who 
were involved in this rescue included: Acting Chief Steven Krippel, 
Assistant Chief Stephen Brookes, Dive Team and Swift Water Manager Lt. 
James W. McGuire III, Lt. Christopher Hawraney, Firefighter/Rescue 
Diver Marc Kaman, Firefighter/Swift Water Operator Nick Owarzani, and 
Firefighter/Swift Water Operator Adam Noel. In addition, Firefighter/
Swift Water Operator William Martin, of the Southampton Fire Company, 
participated in the rescue. Were it not for the efforts of each of 
these brave men, the victim would likely not have survived.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Lower Southampton Fire 
Department and all of its members for their consistently outstanding 
service and their heroic acts in the face of danger. These fine public 
servants are worthy of our commendation, and I am honored to serve as 
their Congressman.

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