[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 98 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING LIFE AND SERVICE OF KEVIN WOYJECK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2013

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
life and service of a young man who lost his life battling the recent 
wildfires in Arizona. Kevin Woyjeck was a member of the Granite 
Mountain Hotshot Squad of Prescott, Arizona, whose life was tragically 
lost along with 18 of his colleagues while fighting to protect those in 
danger from this blaze. He, and his entire squad, bravely put their 
lives at risk, and all but one paid the ultimate price.
  Kevin, the son of Captain Joe Woyjeck of the Los Angeles County Fire 
Station, was only 21 years old when he lost his life. Growing up in 
Southern California, he was passionate about one day becoming a 
professional firefighter, a dream realized by serving as a member of 
such an elite squad. He and his colleagues trained hard to be the first 
line of defense against dangerous fires, and during the recent blazes 
they fought in brutal conditions to stop the advancement and 
destruction of the wildfire. For days they fought to contain the 
flames, but on Sunday, June 30, the fire surrounded them and proved 
impossible to escape.
  We recognize the lives and bravery of Kevin and his team. Our hearts 
and thoughts go out to his family and all those affected by the loss of 
these brave men. We know that while they are no longer with us, their 
work and courage will never be forgotten.
  Kevin's life was taken too soon, but he made his family and his 
country proud. He accomplished so much in his 21 years, and we will 
always remember his sacrifice.

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