[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22584-22585]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              HONORING CHANNAHON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2001

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Channahon Fire 
Protection District (FPD) for its years of excellent service and 
commitment to the community.
  The Channahon Fire Protection District was organized over 50 years 
ago. It protects over 38 square miles which includes Interstate 55, 11 
miles of the I & M Canal, over 11 miles of the Des Plaines River as 
well as more than 8,000 residents.
  Last year, the Channahon FPD responded to over 700 calls which is 
quite remarkable when you consider that 90 percent of the 45

[[Page 22585]]

members on the department are volunteers. Channahon FPD was also 
successful in winning two Fire Act Grants during the first year they 
were offered.
  Channahon FPD believes in a commitment to excellence as shown by 
their continuing education programs for Department members. Tragically, 
the Channahon Fire Protection District recently experienced the loss of 
Firefighter Kenneth J. Frayne in the line of duty. Ken was a four-year 
member of the department and died while performing dive rescue 
training. Ken was twenty-eight years old and left behind his wife of 
three years, Deborah Frayne. I know the entire Department will miss Ken 
and his dedication to the service. I will keep Ken and Deborah in my 
thoughts and prayers.
  Since the attack on September 11, 2001, the whole country is more 
aware of the importance of our firefighters and their critical role in 
our national defense and security. Channahon FPD members and volunteers 
are excellent examples of our nation's citizens at their finest. It has 
been my privilege to serve Channahon FPD as part of my 11th 
Congressional District. I look forward to serving and working with them 
in the years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other 
institutions in their own districts whose actions have so greatly 
benefited and strengthened America's communities.

                          ____________________