[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21829]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



        REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF IDALOU FIREFIGHTER DAVID BUTLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I remember the life of Mr. David 
Butler, an individual who understood the meaning of dedication and 
service to his neighbors and his community. On September 19, Mr. Butler 
was doing what he did best--helping people--when he collapsed and later 
passed away.
  A firefighter with the Idalou, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department for 
23 years and Assistant Chief for 10 of those, David gave the ultimate 
gift of life to save that of another. David, along with other members 
of the Idalou and Lorenzo Volunteer Fire Departments, arrived at the 
scene of a one-vehicle roll-over to find the driver trapped beneath a 
water truck. In an effort to free the driver, Assistant Chief Butler 
helped set up air bags to lift the truck off the pavement. Once the 
bags were inflated, he operated the controls to raise the truck, and 
the man was soon freed from the wreckage and transported to a local 
hospital. As firefighters were loading their equipment for the return 
home, David collapsed never to regain consciousness.
  The fire department was an extension of David's family, and he acted 
as a father to his colleagues just as he did to his own three children. 
He was the epitome of a family man; an ever-dedicated servant to his 
family, friends and community. David is a true hero, and through his 
service, he has made Idalou and our society a better place to live. I 
would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his wife and 
children and to all who had the pleasure of working with and knowing 
him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________