[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 39 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H2984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF FRED PIERNO, JR.

  (Mr. ROONEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. ROONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Martin County Fire Medic Fred Pierno, Jr. Freddy is the only member 
of the Martin County Fire Rescue to ever die in the line of duty. He 
lived a life of service to his community and country. He was a Navy 
veteran during the Vietnam War and served for 20 years with Martin 
County Fire Rescue. His fellow firefighters enjoyed working by his side 
and he always put others first.
  It was in 2006 while trying to save the life of a patient that he 
contracted hepatitis C. Firefighters and medics like Freddy put their 
lives on the line day in and day out and face dangers that can't always 
be seen. Freddy is only the 13th firefighter in the United States to 
die in the line of duty from this virus.
  We honor Fred Pierno's sacrifice to the people of Martin County. He 
will truly be missed.

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