[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 135 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5461-S5462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CHARLES WATERBURY

  Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the exceptional 
service and the extraordinary life of New Hampshire firefighter Charles 
``Charlie'' Waterbury of Orford, NH.
  Born and raised in Orford, Charlie graduated from Orford High School 
in 1978. Following graduation, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army and 
served for 4 years. After returning home, Charlie continued to serve 
his country and joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard. After 20 
years of dedicated service to our State and our Nation, Charlie rose to 
the rank of E-5 sergeant.
  Demonstrating his commitment to service, Charlie was a devoted member 
of the Orford community and known for his willingness to step up 
whenever help was needed. Prior to becoming a firefighter, Charlie 
served his hometown as a member of the town budget advisory committee, 
as a town tree warden, and, impressively, as a road agent for 17 years.
  Ten years ago, Charlie joined the all-volunteer Orford Fire 
Department, where he soon became a beloved member of the team. Orford 
fire chief Terry Straight described Charlie as an excellent public 
servant whom ``everyone respected and looked up to'' and ``a great

[[Page S5462]]

go-to guy.'' On Sunday, July 24, as reports of a brush fire in Lyme 
came in, Charlie rushed to the scene, as he had done so many times 
before, placing the safety of others first. Sadly, Charlie gave his 
life in the line of duty to help extinguish the fire in Lyme. We are 
all grateful for Charlie's selfless service to Orford and the rest of 
our State.
  Firefighter Waterbury leaves behind a daughter, Whitney Banker; a 
grandson, Arlo Austin Banker, and parents; Allan and Shirley Waterbury. 
We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a wonderful friend to many 
and an outstanding public servant, Charlie Waterbury.
  Charlie represented the best of our State, and I send my deepest 
condolences to Whitney, Arlo, Allan, and Shirley during this difficult 
time. While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary man, we know that he 
served our State, Nation, and community with honor, courage, and 
dedication. Charlie gave so much to New Hampshire and our Nation, and 
we are forever grateful for his sacrifice and service.

                          ____________________