[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18417]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 IN HONOR OF BALTIMORE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION--
                               LOCAL 1311

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                      HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude and and 
admiration for the men and women of the Baltimore County Professional 
Fire Fighters Association, Local 1311 of the International Association 
of Fire Fighters. This organization represents more than one thousand 
fire fighters, officers, and EMS workers in Baltimore County. Each and 
every day, these heroes risk their lives serving the citizens of 
Baltimore County.
  In the wake of the tragic and cowardly attacks on the World Trade 
Center and Pentagon, Local 1311 sprung into action. Recognizing that 
over three hundred and fifty fellow fire fighters lost their lives 
during the horrific events of September 11, 2001, members of Local 1311 
rapidly organized a fundraising drive to assist the families of our 
fallen heroes.
  Inspired by the IAFF's creation of the New York 9/11 Disaster Relief 
Fund, the association began a direct campaign to solicit donations for 
this worthy effort. Local 1311 members hit the streets of Baltimore 
County from September 21-23. Fire Fighters diligently worked street 
comers and shopping malls asking for contributions. I am pleased to 
report the public responded generously. While the final tally has not 
been calculated, approximately $300,000 was raised for the 9/11 Fund. 
All Baltimore County Fire Fighters merit our thanks and 
congratulations.
  I want to express my personal thanks to Local 1311 Trustee, Mr. Ted 
Moffitt, for coordinating the overall effort. The entire leadership of 
the organization led by President Mike Day, Secretary-Treasurer Jim 
Kinard, and Office Assistant Elizabeth Grove assisted with logistical 
support. Finally, my heartfelt thanks and appreciation is extended to 
Mr. Edwin F. Hale, Chairman of First Mariner Bank, for the support and 
assistance he and the bank provided in handling, counting, and 
safeguarding the voluminous amount of coin and currency collected. This 
group effort represents the best in America; it will undoubtedly 
provide much needed relief to survivors of our fallen heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, fire fighters are truly America's bravest. I applaud the 
Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters for their hard work and 
commitment to their county, country, and fellow citizens.




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