[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17671]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   HONORING KERN COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the real contributions 
of many individuals from California's 21st District to the relief 
effort because of the horrible tragedy on September 11, 2001. I am 
continually encouraged by the courageous and unselfish acts of our 
communities.
  Over the past week, a tireless and dedicated crew of 11 firefighters 
from Kern County in California has helped with the rescue and cleanup 
efforts at the Pentagon. Facing long days of work in a stressful 
environment, they kept their resolve. The display of internal fortitude 
by these heroes serves as a great example of generosity and 
selflessness.
  I would like to express my appreciation to Steve Gage, Keven Harper, 
Nick Dunn, Ken Stevens, Bob Clinoff, Bob Lechtreck, Dean Clason, Pat 
Caprioli, Steve Shoemaker, Jim Scritchfield, and Dan Kleinman for all 
their hard work in assisting with the rescue and recovery efforts at 
the Pentagon. I would also like to thank their families for the 
sacrifices they also endured during these uncertain times.
  I am extremely proud of these firefighters and our communities for 
the compassion shown to the victims of this horrific act of terrorism. 
The blood, sweat, and tears shed throughout our history in the quest 
for life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness have never been in vain. 
That is why I am certain the American people will rise to the occasion 
and triumph in these most trying of times. Together, there are no 
difficulties we cannot overcome as the greatest example of freedom and 
democracy in the world.

                          ____________________