[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF EDWIN JEFFREY ``LANCE'' WENTZEL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
fireman Edwin Jeffrey ``Lance'' Wentzel, who tragically lost his life 
in the line of duty serving the residents of Youngwood Borough and 
Southwestern Pennsylvania on Saturday, March 22, 2014.
   Lance Wentzel was part a large group of volunteers searching North 
Versailles for a senior citizen who had been lost for days. Tragically, 
Lance lost his life during the search. A dedicated public servant, Mr. 
Wentzel sacrificed many hours away from his family, without pay, to 
help those in need.
   Lance Wentzel was a distinguished thirty-five year member of the 
Youngwood Volunteer Fire Department. Ready and willing to serve his 
fellow citizens in need, Mr. Wentzel volunteered at Ground Zero in New 
York City following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In 
2012, he was named the department's ``Firefighter of the Year.''
   Born on October 16, 1956, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Lance was 
active in the 14th Quartermaster family support group, attended St. 
Mark Lutheran Church in New Stanton, and was an accomplished marathon 
runner.
   We offer our prayers and thanks to his family: wife, Judith; two 
sons, Jeffrey Jeremiah Wentzel, and Christopher William Wentzel; two 
stepsons, Justin Martin Vestrand, and Jason Mac Vestrand; three 
grandchildren, Oscar Thomas, Nevaeh and Urijah Wentzel; a brother, 
Philip A. Wentzel; four sisters, Judith C. Wagner, Connie L. Watson, 
Bonnie Kucenic, and Doris Santone.
   Mr. Wentzel's sacrifice and service to the Youngwood Volunteer Fire 
Department, the community, and the country will not soon be forgotten. 
Tonight, as we say our evening prayers, let us thank God for men like 
Lance who without a second thought to their own well-being, are willing 
to do whatever is necessary to protect our families and communities.

                          ____________________