[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 33 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO HAL BRUNO

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2008

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear 
friend of mine, Hal Bruno--an individual that most of you will know 
best for his 50-year career as a professional journalist whose 
integrity and trust earned him the respect and approbation of his peers 
and politicians alike. Today, however, I'd like to recognize another, 
perhaps lesser known, side of Hal--his more than 30-year commitment to 
the men and women of the fire service.
  Recently, Hal Bruno announced that he was stepping down as Chairman 
of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the organization 
established by the Congress to honor our fallen heroes and assist their 
families and coworkers. It was with deep regret that the board of 
directors accepted his resignation. Since 1993, Hal has served with 
distinction on the board of directors, the last seven as chairman. For 
Hal and his lovely wife, Meg, the Foundation is that ray of light that 
has guided family members of fallen firefighters through their dark 
journeys.
  When a firefighter falls in the line of duty, Hal likens it to losing 
a family member. Long after the death, Hal has always been there to 
provide comfort and assistance to the family members, no matter how 
long it takes for them to regain their strength and move ahead with 
their lives. The Foundation and the fire service, itself, are fortunate 
to have had a leader with such compassion and dedication as my friend, 
Hal Bruno.
  Always humble, Hal has always been one to credit the professional 
staff of the Foundation for the positive impact the Foundation has made 
on the people it serves--family members of our fallen heroes. But Hal, 
through his leadership, inspiration and selfless dedication--set the 
course of the Foundation in a new direction, resulting in a tremendous 
growth of the Foundation's programs during his years as chairman. Those 
of us involved with the fire service are pleased to hear that he will 
continue to serve as an active member of the board of directors.
  To both Hal and Meg Bruno, I extend my personal thanks and the thanks 
and gratitude of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, for their 
dedication to our first responders, and, especially, the National 
Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I ask my colleagues to join with me in 
paying tribute to Hal and congratulating him upon his retirement and a 
job well done.

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