[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 154 (Monday, September 17, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING STAFF SERGEANT DAVID FISCHER

  Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fallen hero, 
Assistant Fire Chief Dave Fischer of Sturgis, SD.
  Dave, a 22-year member of the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, also 
served in the South Dakota National Guard's 82nd Civil Support Team 
based out of Rapid City.
  On Friday, September 7, 2018, Dave dutifully responded to the report 
of a structure fire in nearby Tilford. Like so many times before, Dave 
was one of the first Sturgis firefighters to arrive at the scene, where 
a single-family home was engulfed in flames and beginning to threaten 
other nearby homes and families.
  According to reports, Dave was attempting to move one of the fire 
department's command vehicles just north of the home when a propane 
tank exploded, a piece of which struck him and his vehicle, killing him 
instantly. Both he and the owner of the home, Raymond Bachmeier, 
perished on that tragic day. We send our sympathies to all of the 
friends and family members they leave behind.
  Dave's death is a tremendous loss for the State of South Dakota, 
especially the Sturgis area and surrounding communities, where he lived 
almost his entire life.
  Dave exemplified what it meant to serve others. He was a member of 
the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years. He was 
active in the Sturgis emergency medical service, where his wife still 
serves as the director. And Dave served in the National Guard for 23 
years, serving a tour in Iraq with the 216th Engineer Detachment 
Firefighting Team in 2004 and 2005. As a soldier, a firefighter, and a 
first responder, Dave spent over half his life selflessly putting 
others first, willing to risk his life to keep his fellow neighbors and 
fellow Americans safe.
  By all accounts, Dave was a true hero. His commander in the South 
Dakota National Guard, LTC Dale Gadbois, called Dave one ``of the 
finest soldiers I knew who would help anyone and everyone in times of 
need. From the beginning it was obvious he put his service before 
himself and paid the ultimate price rushing in to help the community in 
an emergency. It was an honor to have served with him.''
  Those words are a testament to the kind of person Dave was, always 
putting others first.
  Dave was laid to rest this last Saturday at the Black Hills National 
Cemetery near Sturgis. He leaves behind his wife and children. We 
continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this 
incredibly difficult time. While we can't take away the hurt, please 
know that we will never forget the sacrifices that Dave made, and we 
will not forget the sacrifices that Dave's family has made.
  Not everyone is willing to put their life on the line to keep us 
safe, but Dave did just exactly that. He put others before himself 
throughout his life. His legacy will not soon be forgotten.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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