[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 62 (Thursday, April 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2087-S2088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING BRETT THOMAS BOSS

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize Albert 
Lea Fire Lieutenant Brett Thomas Boss, who passed away on February 5, 
2022, at the age of 38 after a decade-long battle with stage 4 Ewing's 
Sarcoma.
  Brett was born to Karen Boss on November 30, 1983, in Fargo, ND, and 
was later adopted by Todd Boss in 1992. From a young age, he 
demonstrated a clear drive to help others. In high

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school, he participated in the local Fire Explorers program, which gave 
him both the skills to save lives in his community and a dedication to 
public service that guided his entire life.
  Brett's 17-year firefighting career was nothing short of 
extraordinary. As an EMT, a hazmat technician, a fire investigator, and 
a firefighter instructor, he worked every day to keep the people of 
Albert Lea safe. Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske put it best: Brett 
was a true hero.
  Brett's heroism only became clearer following his diagnosis. In the 
words of his loving family, he ``fought cancer like a boss.'' But Brett 
didn't just fight for himself; following an alarming string of cancer 
cases among firefighters in Albert Lea and Austin, he became a fierce 
advocate for his brothers and sisters in the field. He played a key 
role in passing State legislation that secured funding for equipment to 
keep firefighters safe from carcinogens as well as a grant program for 
firefighters living with cancer or heart disease. In 2018, we held an 
event together in support of legislation to create a national 
firefighter cancer registry, and days later, the President signed it 
into law. Brett also collaborated with the Firefighter Cancer Support 
Network, a group of firefighters that worked to provide resources, 
support, and education to first responders in need.
  While Brett had a lot to be proud of in his career, he was even 
prouder of his family. He married his wife Danielle in 2006, and they 
went on to have two great kids, Jaelyn and Aiden. Brett could often be 
found cheering them on from the sidelines of sporting events or sharing 
with them his love of camping and fishing.
  While it is hard not to feel like Brett's life was cut short, his 
legacy as an incredible firefighter, advocate, son, husband, and dad 
will last forever. He changed lives; he saved lives; and he made the 
world a better place.

                          ____________________