[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5862]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 5862]]

  HONORING ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF PAUL D. MARTIN, FIREHOUSE MAGAZINE'S 
                        FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Firehouse magazine's 
Firefighter of the Year, Assistant Fire Chief Paul D. Martin of Hudson 
Falls, New York. Assistant Chief Martin surpassed 101 other 
firefighters from across the nation to win the highly coveted award. 
His actions remind us that firefighting is one of the most dangerous 
occupations in the United States.
  I salute Assistant Fire Chief Martin, a fire investigator, for his 
heroic actions in the early morning hours of August 27, 1999. Without 
regard to personal safety, Assistant Chief Martin executed a daring 
rescue of an elderly woman trapped in her flame engulfed residence. He 
fought heavy flames in the two-story building while pulling the 77 year 
old resident to safety. Assistant Chief Martin suffered second- and 
third-degree burns to his face, ears, lower back and hip as the intense 
flames and heat ignited his fire-retardant equipment. This performance 
of duty set him apart from all other firemen in the nation and earned 
him the title of Firefighter of the Year.
  The 21-year veteran of fire service, husband, and father of two 
deserves our highest praise. He is among thousands of firefighters who 
lay their lives on the line for our safety and well-being every day. 
Upstate New Yorkers owe a lasting debt to Assistant Chief Martin and 
his firefighting colleagues who sacrifice so much to protect the lives 
and property of others.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Assistant Chief Martin 
on his selection as Firefighter of the Year. Please also join me in 
recognizing his outstanding courage in the face of grave danger and 
unquestionable dedication to duty. He symbolizes America's greatest 
heroes.

                          ____________________