[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 77 (Tuesday, June 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN HOUSTON FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2013

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my 
deepest sympathies for the Houston firefighters who perished or were 
injured due to the blaze at the Southwest Inn and Bhojan Restaurant, 
which took place on May 31, 2013. Upon visiting the site of the 
horrific tragedy, I was saddened to see the remains of a building 
consumed by a pernicious inferno. I was also able to appreciate the 
courage and spirit necessary to be a firefighter at the scene on that 
fateful day.
  To date, while ``in the line of duty,'' four firefighters have died 
and many others have been hospitalized due to their injuries in what 
has become the most lethal day in the history of the Houston Fire 
Department (HFD). Among the deceased were: an eleven-year-veteran of 
the HFD, Captain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Matthew Renaud, and 
a recent graduate from the fire academy, Anne Sullivan, along with 
Firefighter EMT Robert Garner and Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee.
  Our firefighters selflessly risked their lives and limbs to save as 
many civilians as possible. While tragedies such as these shock and 
emotionally devastate us, we should remember the extraordinary heroism 
displayed by our firefighters: They rushed to the scene battling flames 
on both the roof as well as within the motel and restaurant, thereby 
preventing a single civilian fatality.
  Mr. Speaker, since the fire, I have visited with firefighters from 
the HFD at the Houston Professional Firefighters Association Union 
Hall. I was truly inspired by their dedication to each other and 
devotion to public safety. As a result, I now have a greater 
appreciation for what is for me a chilling expression ``in the line of 
duty.''

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