[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ASPEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TRIBUTE

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                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor for me to rise and pay 
tribute to the fraternal spirit and charitable efforts that have been 
exemplified by the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. The tragedy that 
befell our country on September 11, 2001, was met with a resounding and 
galvanizing response from all citizens of the United States. The 
members of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department were especially moved to 
help their brothers from the Fire Department of New York in any way 
they could.
   In the days following the September 11th attacks, the Aspen 
Volunteer Fire Department went to all the local businesses with a 
fireman's helmet in hand, asking for donations to provide assistance 
for the Fire Department of New York. Through the efforts of the Aspen 
Volunteer Fire Fighters over $110,000 was raised in a span of less than 
ten days. To raise that amount of money in such a short amount of time 
is remarkable, but the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department thought there 
was more that could be done in support of the Fire Department of New 
York. The firefighters again took to the streets and urged the ski 
resorts, hotels and local businesses to provide their services to the 
Fire Department of New York at little to no cost. All the businesses 
obliged, and in February of 2002, seventy-seven members of New York 
City's Fire Department and their families were able to enjoy a trip to 
Aspen, Colorado. The relationship between the two fire departments has 
now blossomed into an annual tradition. Firefighters from New York City 
have been coming to Aspen every winter since the tragic 9/11 attacks as 
guests of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. This bond forged in 
brotherhood came full circle this past Fourth of July when members of 
the Fire Department of New York made the long road trip to Aspen. They 
brought with them a unique and powerful gift; a refurbished piece of 
the World Trade Center Towers. The steel from ground zero is now the 
center piece of the newly built Aspen Volunteer Fire House. It also 
signifies the shared connection between the Aspen Volunteer Fire 
Department and the Fire Department of New York, and most importantly 
serves as a memorial to all who were lost in the September 11th 
attacks.
   Mr. Speaker, the efforts of the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department have 
been truly remarkable. These firefighters have tirelessly given support 
to the Fire Department of New York for nearly a decade, and have no 
intentions of stopping their good works. It has been a stirring 
privilege for me to rise and pay tribute to the Aspen Volunteer Fire 
Department.

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