[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E744-E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF BJ BOATMAN

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                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 6, 2021

  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated service 
and life of the loved firefighter, Bryan Jeffrey Boatman.
  Known as ``BJ'' to his loved ones and friends, BJ passed away at the 
young age of 37 in the service of his community, while assisting the 
U.S. Forest Service fighting wildland fires on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 
near Payson, Arizona.
  BJ leaves behind his devoted wife, Elizabeth Marie Boatman, and his 
young 8-year-old daughter, Claire Elizabeth Boatman. BJ loved what he 
did, serving and helping others his whole life. In this steadfast 
support of his community, he made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his 
life battling wildland fires, which so threaten our Western 
communities. Boatman is a hero whose selflessness and sacrifice 
exemplifies the best qualities of what it means to be good father, 
husband, and American.
  Madam Speaker, I express a sincere form of gratitude to BJ Boatman, 
and I offer my prayers to Elizabeth and Claire, who lost a father and a 
husband far too soon. I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring 
BJ's legacy and bravery, standing humbly in his memory having 
benefitted from the protection he gave our country. It is on the backs 
of great men like BJ that our Nation is protected, and how we can sleep 
peacefully at night knowing people watch over the safety of our 
families, homes, and communities.
  BJ will never be forgotten.

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