[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     JESUSITA WILDFIRE FIREFIGHTERS

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the brave men and women firefighters who worked 
tirelessly to protect the residents of Santa Barbara County from the 
recent Jesusita wildfire.
  The Jesusita wildfire has burned nearly 10,000 acres, destroyed and 
damaged dozens of homes, and at one point forced the evacuation of more 
than 30,000 local residents.
  Firefighters are often called upon to protect our communities while 
putting themselves in grave danger. This is certainly the case when 
reflecting on the efforts of Firefighter Robert Lopez, Captain Ron 
Topolinski, and Captain Brian Bulger from the Ventura County Fire 
Department. Firefighter Lopez and Captain Topolinski were assigned to 
structure protection when their position was overrun by a fast-moving 
wall of fire. Firefighter Lopez and Captain Topolinski utilized their 
combined 40-years of firefighting experience to survive the initial 
fire blast and call for help. Captain Brian Bulger responded to the 
emergency call and risked his own life to ensure the safety of his 
fellow firefighters. Although all three firefighters suffered injuries 
due to fire and toxic smoke exposure, all three survived and are now on 
their way toward recovery. An additional 27 firefighters were injured 
during this event.
  I want to give special thanks to the more than 4,000 Federal, State, 
local, fire protection district, and volunteer firefighters who have 
put their lives on the line to fight this fire. Their courage and swift 
action during this recent wildfire has been truly heroic. They have 
risked their health and well-being for the benefit of our communities, 
and we are grateful.
  I invite all of my colleagues to join me in commending all men and 
women firefighters who risk their lives to protect our own.

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