[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15615]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO BEN ALEXANDER, OF THE SAN BERNARDINO CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ben Alexander, of the San 
Bernardino City Fire Department, for his selfless bravery in rescuing 
three fishermen, whose small boat was left adrift in the Pacific Ocean, 
buffeted by wind gales. Ben and his colleague, Isaac Horn, demonstrated 
courage and commitment and the highest duties of their profession, in 
their off-duty rescue of these individuals in need.
  Ben and Isaac were filming whale sharks in October for a television 
series in Bahia de Los Angeles, a small fishing village about 400 miles 
south of the Mexican border, when they were approached by a woman 
frantic about fishermen who were lost. The fishing boat lacked an 
engine and had been swept in a wind tossed sea. Ben and Isaac searched 
for the boat in their 21-foot craft, while braving a heavy windstorm 
with winds reaching about 50 to 60 miles per hour.
  When they spotted the fishing boat, it was in immediate peril, in 
danger of being swept onto the treacherous shores of an island. The 
boat was only 150 yards away from shore. Using a 12-foot line, the 
firefighters were able to pull the boat to safety, in a courageous 
effort that took about an hour. In gratitude, the fishermen offered 
them money, but Ben and Isaac refused.
  Mr. Speaker, Ben is a leading firefighter in our community. He has 
served as a firefighter/paramedic and a member of the tactical medical 
team. The team is part of a police swat team, which goes in armed to 
treat downed officers. Ben was instrumental in getting it started. His 
chosen occupation takes him to work in the busiest areas of the city. 
He is deeply committed to his work, and has a great sense of adventure, 
displaying a great attitude at all times, as well as an excellent sense 
of humor.
  Ben's wife, Natalie, and his daughter, Taylor, are very proud of him 
as we honor him today.
  Ben and Isaac's co-workers have nothing but praise for them, 
describing them as ``dedicated,'' ``great workers,'' ``you couldn't 
find nicer people,'' ``they do an excellent job.'' Their supervisors 
are equally laudatory, noting their deep commitment to help other 
people. It is not surprising that they would go out of their way to 
help someone when they are off duty.
  Mr. Speaker, our fire fighters put themselves in harm's way, time and 
time again. They are the line of defense that keeps our communities 
safe. As a husband, father, and grandparent, I am proud to entrust the 
safety of my loved ones to such fine individuals. The heroism displayed 
in Bahia de Los Angeles is the highest example of a calling that
  Mr. Speaker, many fire fighters toil anonymously, in a quiet and 
heroic manner. Their loved ones are faced with the prospect of a knock 
on the door, cap in hand, as they are informed that their spouse, 
brother, sister, son or daughter has made the ultimate sacrifice in 
protecting the public. Our firefighters jump into burning buildings, 
brave smoke and falling debris, make daring rescues, and save children. 
In honoring Ben, we honor all of his co-workers, the entire San 
Bernardino city fire department, indeed all firefighters. There are 
many other firefighters and public safety personnel who also labor day 
in and day out, putting themselves in harm's way. So in giving this 
honor, we are honoring them all.
  And so, Mr. Speaker, we salute Ben Alexander, and those like him, who 
serve the public and keep our communities safe.

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