[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 75 (Friday, April 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE LIFE OF FIREFIGHTER PEYTON MORSE OF LA FARGEVILLE, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 30, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Firefighter Peyton Morse of the Watertown Fire Department. On March 12, 
2021, Peyton tragically passed away after suffering a medical emergency 
during a training exercise at the New York State Academy of Fire 
Science.
  Peyton's lifelong dream was to become a firefighter and help others 
in any way that he could. During his time at Siena College, he 
participated in the associate firefighter program to gain hands-on 
experience training with the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department. 
When he had the opportunity to attend the fire academy, Peyton took a 
leave of absence from his final semester to pursue his passion and 
eventually became a permanent member of the Watertown Fire Department. 
Peyton officially received his firefighter badge, Badge No. 94, while 
hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit as he fought to recover from 
his tragic accident.
  Peyton's colleagues remember him as an exceptionally dedicated 
firefighter who was always enthusiastic in his role. He had a true 
servant's heart and always put others above himself, even after he 
passed on as an organ donor. The recent celebrations of Peyton's life 
are proof of the impact he made on those in his community. Hundreds of 
North Country firefighters, police and other emergency responders 
gathered to welcome Peyton's motorcade home. The community rallied 
together to pay their respects and show their support for Peyton's 
family by placing yellow hearts in the windows of homes and businesses. 
Siena College will posthumously present Peyton's family with his 
diploma at a ceremonial graduation on May 1, 2021.
  On behalf of New York's 21st district, I am honored to recognize 
Peyton for his selfless service to his community. It is my hope that 
his fearless spirit and positivity will be carried on by those who knew 
and loved him, and I ask this House to remember his sacrifice and 
legacy forever.

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