[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18126]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 HONORING NEW YORK CITY FIREFIGHTER DANA HANNON OF WYCKOFF, NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2001

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts 
of New York City Firefighter Dana Hannon, who died valiantly trying to 
save lives during the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade 
Center. In times of such tragedy, we often look to others for support, 
for inspiration, and even for the right words. Today, as we search for 
an understanding of September 11, I borrow the words of Sir Winston 
Churchill and think of New York Firefighter Dana Hannon with these 
words. Churchill once said,

       Vast and fearsome as the human scene has become, personal 
     contact of the right people, in the right places, at the 
     right time, may yet have a potent and valuable part to play 
     in the cause of peace which is in our hearts.

  As forces of terror tried to extinguish the light of our nation on 
September 11, the heroes in our midst shined brighter than ever. For 
some, we know what heroic endeavors were undertaken as we hear stories 
from cell phones, emails, and survivors. And then there are those whose 
story was not told, yet we know--because of the people they were--it 
was a selfless courageous story. We know this because these men and 
women were heroes before they even entered the World Trade Center 
Towers to begin their rescue missions.
  Dana Hannon was a hero to his parents, Tom and Gaye, in Wyckoff, New 
Jersey. Dana was a hero to his fiancee and his younger sister. Dana was 
a hero to the residents of Wyckoff, where he served for ten years as a 
firefighter. Dana was a hero to residents of Bridgeport, Connecticut, 
where, as a firefighter, he received a medal of valor for his service. 
Dana was a hero to the residents of New York City, where he reported to 
the call at the World Trade Center with his company, Engine Company 28.
  These heroes entered the buildings' lobbies as people flooded out 
into the streets. These men and women ran up the stairs while 
instructing people to immediately get down those same stairs and 
outside. They ran to help the people in wheelchairs as others ran to 
safety. Heroes on that day, their efforts and effects will never be 
forgotten, especially by those who were saved.
  We may not know what scenes Dana faced so bravely in the smoke and 
panic that filled the World Trade Center towers. But, as his family and 
friends would testify, Dana was most likely one of the first to the 
building. Always one to act first and worry about his safety later, his 
loved ones can imagine the heroic acts Dana performed in the buildings 
that day. I am sure that for someone, he was the right person, in the 
right place, at the right time. Someday we may hear the story of the 
lives he saved or the comfort he provided. But for now, we can be 
proud, proud of the job he was doing, proud of the heroism he showed 
that day, and proud of the courage he had always shown.
  Some heroes were made on September 11. Others were heroes that just 
had the chance to shine even more brightly. And as family and friends 
of Dana wait for stories of him on that day, they will continue to 
share the stories of his everyday heroism and spirit. The forces of 
terror may have tried to destroy our peace, but they cannot destroy the 
peace in our own hearts as long as we have heroes such as Dana Hannon.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring New York City 
Firefighter Dana Hannon, Engine Company 28. The towns of Wyckoff and 
Bridgeport have recognized Dana's heroism before. On behalf of our 
country, let us now recognize this man who served us in one of our most 
horrific hours. In the darkest times, it is the brave who shine the 
brightest. As we face the future, let us not let him, or his family, or 
his company, down.

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