[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17531]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 IN MEMORY OF TWO BRAVE CALIFORNIA PILOTS, LARRY GROFF AND LARS STRATTE

  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I rise today to commemorate the tragic 
deaths of Larry Groff and Lars Stratte, pilots who were killed on 
August, 27, 2001 in a mid-air tanker collision while fighting the Bus 
Fire in Northern California. Both pilots were flying Gruman S-2 
aircraft and were making fire retardant drops on the fire when they 
collided.
  Larry Groff and Lars Stratte were established and dedicated pilots 
who have recorded numerous hours of flying time. Both pilots were 
employees of San Joaquin Helicopters, Incorporated. Larry Groff was a 
20 year Navy Veteran pilot and Lars Stratte was Past President of the 
Redding Area Pilots Association.
  We will never forget the service of these pilots to their community. 
In a difficult and dangerous occupation, they demonstrated outstanding 
courage and extraordinary ability to fight fires from the air in their 
service with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
  Larry Groff, from Windsor, CA, leaves behind his wife Christine, his 
six children and two grandchildren. Lars Stratte, from Redding, CA, 
leaves behind his wife Terri and two children.
  Larry Groff and Lars Stratte served their community and the people of 
California with great distinction. I am honored to pay tribute to these 
brave men today and I encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in 
celebrating their lives and service, mourning their passing and 
extending our condolences to their families.

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