[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 52 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO FIRE ENGINEER WILLIAM ``BILLY'' D. PINE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of fire 
engineer William ``Billy'' D. Pine, an American hero who touched the 
lives of many. Born on July 3, 1979 in Yuma, Colorado, Mr. Pine lived a 
brave and courageous life putting out fires in his community.
  Known as the lovable firehouse prankster with an infectious smile and 
contagious laugh, Mr. Pine was both admired and respected by his fellow 
firefighters. After joining the Pueblo Fire Department in 2004, he 
quickly became active in the Union and planned firehouse activities. 
Mr. Pine was a ``firefighter's firefighter'' and his coworkers quickly 
became his second family.
  Mr. Pine was committed to both his work and his family. He met his 
wife, Janice, shortly after moving to Pueblo in 2003. The two were set 
up on a lunch date by a mutual friend and immediately became 
inseparable. They married in July 2005 and, the following April, 
welcomed the birth of their daughter, Sydney Taylor. Mr. Pine loved 
being a father and was dedicated to providing a good life for his 
family.
  However, on October 4, 2006, when Sydney was only 6 months old and he 
only 27, the unexpected happened. When Mr. Pine rolled over in bed to 
help his wife with her homework, a tumor burst, causing his intestine 
to erupt. After being rushed to the hospital, Mr. Pine was diagnosed 
with stage 4 colon cancer and immediately began chemotherapy. While his 
family and friends struggled with the shocking news, Mr. Pine stayed 
strong.
  Throughout chemotherapy, Mr. Pine remained dedicated to the fire 
department. On good days, he would go in to work. On bad days, his 
coworkers would cover his shifts and send him the paycheck. In April 
2008, Mr. Pine was able to return to work full-time and fought in one 
last fire. When a deadly brushfire swept through Olney Springs on April 
15, Mr. Pine responded to the call. When he got there, two of his 
fellow firefighters were stuck behind a downed power line. Although, as 
a trained fire engineer, Mr. Pine was required to stay at the controls 
of his pumper truck, he went into the blaze and saved the two men. He 
was their hero.
  Mr. Pine showed amazing strength and courage until the very end. 
Tragically, he lost his battle with cancer on August 19, 2008 at age 
29. I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Pine 
and am proud to announce that his name will be added to the Fallen 
Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs on September 19, 2009. Mr. 
Pine was a kind, loyal and genuine man who inspired those around him. 
May he be remembered along with the other heroes in Colorado who have 
given their lives protecting this country.

                          ____________________