[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18974]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  WALTER G. MORRISON, AN AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the terrible tragedy that 
occurred on September 11, 2001, it is necessary that we honor and 
recognize the men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis to 
ensure the safety of others--our Nation's fire and emergency services 
personnel. It is also necessary to pause, reflect, and honor the over 
300 fire service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name 
of public safety on the 11th. Remembering the events that transpired on 
the 11th conjure up horrific images, but also images that inspire--
images of true dedication to others, devotion to duty and bonafide 
heroism. It also triggers memories of a fire-service veteran and true 
hero from my congressional district--Walter G. Morrison--an individual 
who would have, without equivocation, been nowhere other than at ground 
``0'' assisting victims on that fateful day. Walter died on July 18, 
1981, in the line of duty--selflessly attempting to help others. A fire 
and civil defense coordinator in Otsego County, Walter also served as 
Chief of the Fly Creek Fire Department, a board member of the Central 
New York Firemen's Association, and Secretary of the New York State 
Fire Service Council. Walter exemplified the fire service and all it 
stands for. He was 46. Today, it is fitting that he, along with four of 
his fellow firefighters from the great state of New York, and numerous 
others from around the nation, have their names permanently etched upon 
the National Fallen Firefighters monument in Emmittsburg, Maryland for 
all to see and remember. It is our duty--our responsibility to never 
forget that it is people much like Walter--a neighbor; a colleague; an 
friend; a father; a son; a brother; a mother; willingly placing 
themselves in danger for you--for all of us.

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