[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE DEDICATION OF THE CITY OF DENTON'S 9/11 FIREFIGHTERS 
                          MEMORIAL BELL TOWER

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2017

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of 
Denton, Texas as they dedicate a 9/11 Firefighters Memorial Bell Tower 
featuring an I-beam from the World Trade Center and Denton's original 
bronze fire bell. The Memorial was dedicated on the 16th anniversary of 
the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and rural 
Pennsylvania.
   An I-beam from the World Trade Center stands at the bottom of the 
30-foot bell tower structure, which protects the I-beam below and 
frames the entrance to the Denton Firefighters Museum and Central Fire 
Station. The monument provides a visual representation of New York's 
landmark Twin Towers and displays the number 343 in remembrance of the 
firefighters who were killed at Ground Zero, as well as the words 
courage, dedication, and service, in honor of all firefighters.
   The bell tower structure also features Denton's original bronze fire 
bell from City Hall West, which hangs at the top of the monument. The 
bell once sounded three times a day and was used to alert residents of 
fires. Cast originally in 1884, the bell was recently refurbished and 
made fully operational to make the same sounds as heard in historic 
Denton.
   The dedication of the monument occurred as part of a special 
memorial event featuring retired New York City firefighter Bill Spade, 
who was at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. Mr. Spade is the only 
survivor of the twelve responding firefighters on FDNY Rescue 5, a unit 
of the Special Operations Command. He shared his experiences from that 
unforgettable day, and put into perspective the debt of gratitude each 
of us owes to first responders that serve their communities each day.
   I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the City of 
Denton as they honor the firefighters lost while responding to the 
attacks on our country in 2001, as well as the men and women currently 
serving Denton under the direction of Chief Paulsgrove and other 
leaders like him across Denton County. This recognition is well-
deserved, and I am honored to represent these professionals and their 
families in the 26th District of Texas.

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