[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE FIREFIGHTERS OF HIGH PARK, COLORADO

  (Mr. GARDNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave 
firefighters, the sheriff's department officials, and first responders 
who fought the High Park fire near Fort Collins, Colorado, and those 
who cared so deeply for their neighbors and their communities by 
providing a helping hand.
  The High Park fire was the most destructive in the history of 
northern Colorado, burning over 87,000 acres, destroying 259 homes, and 
displacing hundreds of families for weeks. At its peak, over 2,000 
firefighters, National Guardsmen, law enforcement, and others braved 
extremely rugged terrain, 100-plus-degree temperatures, and high winds 
to battle this complex and fast-moving fire. In some cases, local 
volunteer firefighters fought on the fire line for the good of the 
community, despite knowing that their own homes would likely be burned 
to the ground.
  As signs popped up across the front range of Colorado thanking those 
brave men and women for their service, this Congress salutes you. 
Because of the brave and immense effort of these firefighters, lives 
were saved, homes were preserved, and generations to come will be able 
to continue to enjoy some of the most beautiful and majestic forested 
areas in the country as we work to restore those areas that were lost.
  I'm proud to recognize the great and heroic efforts of our 
firefighters.

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