[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 18301]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      HONORING FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

  (Mrs. CAPITO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. 
Res. 42, a resolution to honor our fallen firefighters.
  The events of September 11 highlighted the hard work and dedication 
of many emergency personnel. Many of us watched the pictures on the 
evening news of men and women walking into burning buildings carrying 
injured people to safety and retrieving bodies beneath the buried 
rubble.
  Today, after those recent terrorist attacks and the rescue efforts 
that ensued, it seems especially poignant and timely that Congress pass 
a resolution as a memorial to such acts of heroism.
  Firefighters are the first persons to respond to any emergency. They 
are ambassadors of courage, wisdom, and heroism.
  In my home State of West Virginia, there are many dedicated 
firefighters who put their lives on the line each year. Between 1981 
and 1999, West Virginia has lost 25 firefighters in the line of duty. 
Honored in last year's ceremony was Arch Russell Sligar. This year we 
will honor Robert Cowey Brannon. Those are just two names of the many 
men and women who have lost their lives.
  Madam Speaker, in light of the recent demonstrations of bravery by 
the New York and Washington area firefighters, as well as the endless 
acts of service and sacrifice of all firefighters, I urge passage of 
the resolution, and that we will be lowering our flags to half-mast 
every October 7 in their honor.

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