[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 39 (Friday, March 7, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING RAFAEL VAZQUEZ

 Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I wish to speak in honor and pay 
tribute to a fallen paramedic from my State, Palm Beach County Fire-
Rescue Lieutenant Rafael Vazquez.
  Rafael's life ended prematurely this week; he died at the very young 
age of 42. But the memory of his dedication, hard work, and commitment 
to public service will live on for many lifetimes.
  Rafael Vazquez led a life committed to public service. For the past 7 
years, he worked at Station 28 in Royal Palm Beach, and this January he 
was promoted to the rank of rescue lieutenant. The men and women he 
supervised speak about him with great pride--describing him as a hard 
worker, a man with a sense of humor, and a loving father. This was a 
man whom they respected and considered a friend; they simply called him 
``Ray.''
  Rafael's coworkers knew him as someone who loved his Puerto Rican 
heritage. He often cooked Latin food for his colleagues. And even 
though he was born in Brooklyn, NY, after Rafael moved to Florida, as 
is our tradition in the Sunshine State, he immediately became a 
Floridian.
  Rafael was also a family man--a devoted father and husband. He met 
his wife Michele while working at American Medical Response and cared 
for her deeply. In a recent news account, Rafael's wife Michele 
remembered her husband as, ``. . . a jokester with a quick wit and an 
infectious smile who would help anyone in need.'' Michele added, ``I 
thank God every day for giving me the 13 years that I had with him.'' 
The couple had a young son together and four children from previous 
relationships.
  Floridians receive rapid medical care in times of emergency because 
of people like Rafael Vazquez. He loved his work and his contribution 
will be missed.
  On behalf of Florida and the people of the United States, I thank and 
honor rescue lieutenant Rafael Vazquez for his service to his community 
and the safety he helped to promote.

                          ____________________