[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 9] [House] [Pages 12093-12100] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING JOHN J. DOWNING, BRIAN FAHEY, AND HARRY FORD, WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN DUTIES AS FIREFIGHTERS Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 172) honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives in the course of duty as firefighters. The Clerk read as follows: H. Res. 172 Whereas on June 17, 2001, 350 firefighters and numerous police officers responded to a 911 call that sent them to Long Island General Supply Company in Queens, New York; Whereas a fire and an explosion in a two-story building had turned the 128-year-old, family-owned store into a heap of broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass; Whereas all those who responded to the scene served without reservation and with their personal safety on the line; Whereas two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured by the blaze, including firefighters Joseph Vosilla and Brendan Manning who were severely injured; Whereas John J. Downing of Ladder Company 163, an 11-year veteran of the department and resident of Port Jefferson Station, and a husband and father of two, lost his life in the fire; Whereas Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a 14-year veteran of the department and resident of East Rockaway, and a husband and father of three, lost his life in the fire; and Whereas Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a 27-year veteran of the department from Long Beach, and a husband and father of three, lost his life in the fire: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) honors John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives in the course of duty as firefighters, and recognizes them for their bravery and sacrifice; (2) extends its deepest sympathies to the families of these three brave heroes; and (3) pledges its support and to continue to work on behalf of all of the Nation's firefighters who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all Americans. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis). General Leave Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 172. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Virginia? There was no objection. Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 172, and I commend its sponsor, the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for introducing it. This resolution honors three fighters, John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives fighting a fire in Queens, New York, earlier this month. The resolution also expresses the deepest sympathies of this House for their families. Finally, Mr. Speaker, it pledges that the House will continue to support and work for all American firefighters who risk their lives every day to keep us all safe. On June 17, Mr. Speaker, these three men were among the 350 firefighters and numerous police officers who responded to a fire and explosion at the Long Island General Supply Company. As the resolution notes, this disaster reduced a 128-year-old two-story building to a heap of broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass. [[Page 12094]] Two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured by the blaze, including two firefighters who were severely injured. The three firefighters who died were veteran firefighters. Mr. Downing had served for 11 years; Mr. Fahey for 14 years; Mr. Ford for 27. They left behind grieving families. Mr. Downing was a husband and father of two. {time} 1115 Mr. Fahey is survived by his wife and three children. Mr. Ford was a husband and father of three. Nothing this House can say or do, Mr. Speaker, will lessen the losses these families have experienced. At best, we can hope that they will be somewhat comforted by our recognition and appreciation for their loved ones' bravery. As the House considers this resolution, I also ask my colleagues to remember the dangers and risks that firefighters voluntarily assume every day across the country. By honoring these firefighters, we will also honor the sacrifices of all those firefighters who lay their lives on the line day in and day out to protect their neighbors. On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I will add that I am the wife of a retired city fire chief. I am personally acquainted with the dangers and challenges that firefighters encounter and extend my sympathies to these families that have lost their fathers and husbands. Those of us whose family members have served as firefighters without suffering serious injuries can count our blessings and can empathize with the loss they must feel. I encourage all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On Father's Day, three brave firefighters died when a massive explosion suddenly ripped through a Queens hardware store, burying them under an avalanche of rubble. John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford lost their lives when what seemed like a routine fire turned into a five-alarm blaze. The devastation marked the deadliest day for the New York Fire Department since three firefighters were killed in a pre-Christmas 1998 high-rise blaze in Canarsie, Brooklyn. The names of Downey, Fahey, and Ford will one day be added to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In front of the memorial wall is a statue called, ``Somewhere Everyday.'' Somewhere every day firefighters are engaged in acts of heroism and saving lives, as these firefighters were doing on Father's Day. The ``Somewhere Everyday'' statue depicts a firefighter descending a ladder and taking the last step of a successful rescue while clutching a child safely within his arms. The rubble from the fire forms the base of the tribute. In the rubble of the Long Island General Supply Company building are the shattered lives of three wives, eight children, and other family, friends, and colleagues. The memorial is dedicated to them and all that they have lost. I would only hope that they find comfort in knowing that Downey, Fahey, and Ford died doing what they loved and fulfilling their promise to keep their communities safe and the lives and homes of the people they served secure. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to yield the rest of my time to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) to manage. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shaw). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) may control the time. Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci). Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to take this moment to thank my fellow colleagues in the New York delegation, Governor George Pataki, the Committee on Government Reform, and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus for joining me in honoring these brave men today. House Resolution 172 honors the memory of these heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty on Sunday, June 17, 2001. It was a sad Father's Day, where eight children lost their dads and three wives became widows. These men, Harry Ford, 50, of Long Beach; Brian Fahey, 46, of East Rockaway; and John J. Downing, 40, a resident of Port Jefferson Station in my congressional district gave their lives fighting a fire in an effort to save the lives and properties of the people of New York. On that day, as on every other day in their careers, they lived up to the motto of the New York City Fire Department, ``New York's Bravest.'' Along with their fellow firefighters from Rescue Company 4 and Ladder Company 13, Harry Ford, John Downing, and Brian Fahey responded to what they believed was an ordinary five-alarm commercial fire at 2:20 p.m. at a hardware store in Astoria, Queens. As they were battling the blaze, though, an explosion ripped through the building, trapping firefighters Downing and Ford beneath the rubble of the building's facade and firefighter Fahey beneath the basement stairwell. Their fellow firefighters valiantly worked to save them, some waving off the medical attention they themselves needed for injuries sustained in the explosion, as they desperately removed the rubble with their hands. Sadly, these three men had perished. John Downing, a resident of New York's First Congressional District, was a loving father of two children, Joanne, 7, and Michael, 3, and the husband of Anne, who he married 11 years ago. He was one of seven children in the Downing family, growing up in Woodside, Queens. John was one of four Downing children who went on to pursue public service as a career, joining his brother Dennis as a firefighter, while his brothers James and Joseph became police officers. Everyone who knew John called him a hero in every sense of the word. Every day he was on the job for the past 11 years as a firefighter, John always gave his all and did his best, whether it was fighting fires or helping young firefighters to learn their jobs better. Everyone in the firehouse knew they could count on John. Knowing this, it was no surprise when firefighter Downing was on the front page of the New York Daily News 3 years ago. He was pictured on that front page as a hero once again, rescuing passengers from a commercial jet that had gone off the runway at LaGuardia Airport into the chilling waters of Flushing Bay. Firefighting was not John's entire life, though. He was a family man, doting over his two children and devoted to his wife. In recent weeks, he had been working a second job to bring his family on their first real summer vacation to Ireland, to visit the relatives of his family and his wife. Sadly, when the alarm for his last fire came in, John was just 2 hours away from ending his shift and beginning that vacation. As the alarm went off, John put down the study book he had been reading, preparing to take the exam to become a lieutenant in the fire department, grabbed his gear and answered his last call. Like other firefighters, these brave men risked their lives every day that they went to work, all in the name of protecting their fellow man. We all sleep a little easier each night, go to work with an easier mind every day, and entrust our children in our schools because we know that men and women like John Downing, Harry Ford, and Brian Fahey stand ready to protect our lives, our families, and our homes. Colleagues, please join me in supporting this resolution that recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of all firefighters, and particularly of these three brave men. Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the Record the full letter from Governor George Pataki, but the letter simply says: ``The five-alarm blaze that engulfed the Long Island General Supply [[Page 12095]] Company presented a tremendous hazard to Astoria, Queens, neighbors. More than 350 firefighters responded to the scene to ensure the safety of these citizens and their community. In the ensuing battle to extinguish the fire, 50 firefighters were injured, and sadly these three firefighters gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their efforts prevented the fire from spreading; and as a result, no civilians were injured. This tragedy serves as a reminder to all of us that, each day, New York State's bravest perform their duty with the highest degree of distinction and valor by forsaking their own lives to the benefit of others. Thank you for offering this resolution and providing the House of Representatives the opportunity of honoring not only these men but all firefighters who readily risk their lives throughout the Nation.'' Signed in the signature of Governor George E. Pataki. State of New York, Albany, NY, June 25, 2001. Hon. Felix Grucci, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Grucci: I want to commend you for your efforts in honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, the courageous firefighters who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty on June 17, 2001. We all continue to mourn for the family and friends of our fallen heros. The five-alarm blaze that engulfed the Long Island General Supply Company presented a tremendous hazard to its Astoria, Queens neighbors. More than 350 firefighters responded to the scene to ensure the safety of these citizens and their community. In the ensuing battle to extinguish the fire, 50 firefighters were injured, and sadly these three firefighters gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their efforts prevented the fire from spreading and as a result, no civilians were injured. This tragedy serves as a reminder to us all that, each day, New York State's bravest perform their duties with the highest degree of distinction and valor by forsaking their own lives for the benefit of others. Thank you for offering this resolution that provides the U.S. House of Representatives the opportunity of honoring not only these men, but all firefighters who readily risk their lives throughout the nation. Very truly yours, George E. Pataki, Governor. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume; and I first want to compliment my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci), for offering this important resolution. I am extremely proud to join him as the lead Democrat, and I congratulate the leadership on both sides of the aisle for bringing this important resolution to the floor so swiftly. It not only recognizes their valor and their sacrifice but extends the condolences of this body to their family; and it pledges our support to continue to work on behalf of all of our Nation's firefighters, who risk their leaves every day to ensure the safety of all Americans. While addressing the friends and family of Brian Fahey, one of the New York City firefighters who was killed on Sunday, June 17, the Reverend Anthony Pascual of St. Raymond Church said, ``How do you measure the quality of a man's life? Not by the number of years he lived, but by his deeds.'' Three brave men, Brian Fahey, Harry Ford, and John Downing made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Like all of our brave firefighters and officers, every day that they worked they risked their lives. Every time they entered a burning building, they knew that they were putting their lives on the line. But they placed the safety of others above their own well-being. They died trying to make our city and our country a safer place. June 17th was also Father's Day. These three men were not only firefighters but fathers, and among them they had eight children. New York City Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen referred to Brian Fahey as a firefighter to the core. He was a 14-year veteran of the department who was loved and respected by his colleagues and his family. In addition to coaching a little league team, one of his greatest passions was training volunteer firefighters at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. {time} 1130 He is survived by his wife Mary, and was a father of 3-year-old twin boys, and an 8-year-old son. Harry Ford was a 27-year veteran of the fire department who has been cited nine times for his bravery. He was renowned among his colleagues for his bravery and loyalty. He was also passionate about his family. He leaves behind his wife Denise and 3 children, a daughter age 24, and two sons, ages 10 and 12. John Downing from Woodside, Queens, the third man killed in the blaze, was an 11-year veteran beloved by his colleagues and respected as a hardworking and dedicated fire fighter. Mr. Downing was also a passionate family man, so much so that he had worked two jobs to be able to take his family on a month-long vacation to Northern Ireland. He leaves behind his wife Anne, a 7-year old daughter, and a 3-year old son. More than 10,000 firefighters from all over the country, some from California, Florida, and Canada, came to New York to mourn with the family and friends of these historic, heroic men. The men and women who fight fires every day have a strong bond between them. The deaths of these fine men touched the lives of firefighters everywhere. In remembering these brave men and their great deeds, we must not only honor their memory, but act now to ensure that a preventable tragedy such as this one never happens again. Fire Commissioner Von Essen has said that if the building had been equipped with a fire sprinkler system, the lives of these three brave men might have been spared. The fire in the Long Island supply store that killed these three men and injured many more raged for 12 hours. Stored in the basement of the building were flammable materials such as paint thinners and various other chemicals which caused the violent explosion that took the lives of these men. Because the building was 128 years old, it predated the New York City ordinance that requires a sprinkler system. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the efforts of my colleagues in city government who, in learning about this terrible tragedy, are working to enact legislation requiring sprinkler systems in all buildings that store flammable materials. We must ensure that such a tragedy does not reoccur so that the selfless sacrifices of these three men, heroes to all New Yorkers, were not in vain. One of my colleagues is the author of the Fire Safety Act, and I yield to the gentleman before he returns to his committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) to place into the record his comments. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, we are here to salute brothers Downing, Fahey, and Ford. Too many times, my brothers and sisters here in the Congress, we have forgotten the other half of the public safety equation. Our words are significant and important. I join with the gentlewoman in sympathy, but we need to do something in the House of Representatives that sends a clear message to all 32,000 fire departments across America and all 1 million firefighters that we stand with them; otherwise, their deaths will have been in vain. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to join and fund what we say we are going to fund. God bless these heroic men and their families. I thank Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Grucci for allowing me the opportunity to speak on this important resolution. As a former mayor of a medium-sized city, I know the important role that firefighters play in what I call the Public Safety Equation. And although their role is often forgotten, firefighters risk their lives every day to save ours. On June 17, 2001, three more firefighters gave their lives in the line of duty. John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford--all long- time veterans of their respective fire companies and all men with families--made the ultimate sacrifice as they battled a fire in Queens, New York on that fateful day. It is important to remember these men and those before them, because they truly are heroes. And it is important that we put our money where our mouths are, and not just sing the praises of firefighters at local parades and in [[Page 12096]] small town meetings. Instead, we need to make sure that we are providing adequate support for fire departments around the country to supplement local responsibilities. Next month, the VA-HUD Appropriations bill will be marked up. This bill will include, hopefully continued funding for the Firefighter Assistance Grant Program that was authorized last year. This bill will provide competitive grants directly to the over 32,000 paid, part-paid and volunteer fire departments across America. As a result of the unity and commitment of firefighting community and its supporters, the President has returned funding for this program to his budget. In order for this program to really help fighfighters, it must be funded appropriately--and that is $300 million. And let's provide this funding with the same bipartisan zeal that we have displayed throughout the process. That is only appropriate. When firefighters run into a burning building, they don't as the people they are saving if they are Democrats or Republicans--and we owe them the same commitment. Let's not just speak our thanks on the House Floor. Let's demonstrate our support and provide firefighters with the resources they need to do their job. Let's do it for John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford and their families. Let's do it for every firefighter in every department in every state. It's the least we can do. Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman). Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I commend our colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for his continued dedication to our Nation's firefighters and for the work he has done, along with Members on both sides of the aisle in bringing this resolution before the House today. Each year, thousands of men and women risk their lives to protect the lives and property of all of American communities. Sadly on June 17, Father's Day, three firefighters died in their line of duty fighting fire in Astoria, Queens: Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, from Rescue Company 4, and John Downing, from Ladder Company 163, were not only firefighters and fathers, they were prime examples of experienced men that our New York communities have to offer. Brian Fahey was a 14-year veteran, a skilled instructor, who left behind a wife and three children. John Downing had three children and was planning a trip to Ireland; and Harry Ford, who was a father of three, was cited nine different times for his outstanding acts of bravery. All three were Irish Americans whose lives will not be forgotten by their families or their communities. Mr. Speaker, we are here today honoring their lives and giving thanks for their service, promoting the virtue of their profound and unending sacrifices, and most importantly, to join in consoling their families for their loss of lives. At the same time, let us take advantage of this opportunity to again pledge our support for all of the dedicated brave men who go to work each day risking their lives protecting both the lives and property of our citizens. It is unfortunate that it takes a tragic event such as this to initiate a dialogue of the profound sentiment we all feel about our brave firefighters, our police officers, our soldiers, and all of the men and women who ask them to risk their lives for the sake of others. Every town, community, and nation is founded on the sacrifices of those men and women willing to risk their lives for the betterment of others. I urge my colleagues to join in fully supporting this measure, H. Res. 172. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McNulty). Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues today in saluting and paying tribute to John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford and expressing our condolences to their families. What happened on Father's Day this year is a very sad reminder of what happens all too often in this country. It reminded me specifically of that sad day a couple of years ago when we lost six of our firefighters in that tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I have spent a lot of time with firefighters during the course of my career. I had the tremendous honor of serving as the mayor of my hometown, as my father did before me and as he does to this very day at the age of 90. In the course of our careers, we had the opportunity to work with a great many outstanding firefighters. Today I spend some of my leisure time with my firefighter friends at Engine 1 in Troy, New York, named for the late Harry Dahl, who gave 44 years of his life in the fire service in the city of Troy, New York. I have seen firsthand the dangers that firefighters face every single day of their lives. Also a few years back, from the neighboring city of Watervilet, responding to a mutual alarm in Troy, New York, our fire chief, Tommy McCormack, lost his life in the line of duty. Mr. Speaker, nothing can bring back John or Brian or Harry, but I suggest that there is something that we can do. We can express our gratitude to all of the firefighters who are serving us today. And so today I suggest to all of those who are within the sound of my voice, what I did on the day of the burial of those six heroes in Worcester, the next time when taking a stroll in the neighborhood when walking past a fire house, stop by, say hello and say thank you to the firefighters. Look them in the eye and say thank you for putting their lives on the line for us and our families 365 days a year. Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella). Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I commend my friend from Long Island, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, for those of us who honored our fathers on Father's Day, it was pouring rain that day. The whole morning looked like the day was going to be ruined. About 2:00 the sun came out in Staten Island and worked its way eastward. There was a call in Queens about that time, and it seemed to be a routine fire. It did not look like it was a big deal until we discovered the news which has been echoed here, that three brave firemen lost their lives. The purpose here today is to take a moment to honor those men who bravely gave their lives; and to say to the other firemen that their brothers did not die in vain. Their families who survived, the children, our hearts and prayers go out to them; and I hope through their faith they are able to come through this tragedy with the knowledge that others share their grief. Mr. Speaker, the New York Fire Department in particular is a wonderful resource. In Staten Island, we have lost too many firefighters: Captain John Drennan, Scott Lapedera, George Lenner, Chris Sidenberg. These are young heroes who died way before their time. Mr. Speaker, so to the families especially, know that Members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, really honor what those brave men did; and we will miss them. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley). Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my colleagues, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), and thank them for offering this resolution to memorialize John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, three of New York's bravest. They were members of the New York City Fire Department who were killed in the line of duty on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17. Each of these men was a decorated veteran of the fire department. Harry Ford was a 27-year veteran; Brian Fahey had served for 14 years; and John Downing had served for 11 years. Words alone cannot express the sadness that we all feel about the deaths of these men. I can only begin to express my sympathy for their families, especially the eight children now left behind. All of these men worked in my district in the Seventh Congressional District in Queens. Harry Ford and Brian Fahey worked at the elite Rescue 4 Unit just up the block from where I [[Page 12097]] grew up, and John Downing of Engine Company 163 also stationed in Woodside, although lived on the Island, grew up in Woodside, was schooled in St. Sebastian School, and was buried out of St. Sebastian's Church on Friday. Mr. Speaker, last Friday I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of John Downing, and I sat with his family and the families of the other firefighters that were killed, the Ford and Fahey families. I sat with his colleagues, including my first cousin, Battalion Chief John Moran, who was injured in that fire and spent 2 days in the hospital himself after smoke inhalation trying to recover Mr. Fahey's body. Mr. Speaker, I was reminded by this experience that the New York City firefighters were the bravest men and women in the United States. Heroic action taken by the men and women of the New York Fire Department is something that occurs on a daily basis. To those who worked alongside them, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you for the job that they do every day. I am heartened to see the outpouring of sympathy and affection that has been expressed throughout New York and in my home district of Woodside for these brave men who fell in the line of duty on Father's Day. Mr. Speaker, I hope we can let the example of these three heroes serve as an example for all of us. Mr. Speaker, these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I know Members join me in paying tribute to their incredible bravery. Mr. Speaker, last night my cousin was on Dateline, and he recounted a saying that he was taught in the department before he took the job. It goes along the lines of this, the only act of bravery or heroism is the day that they sign up and take the job in the fire department; every other day is just a normal, line-of-duty day. That is the attitude these men and women have. Mr. Speaker, may God bless them and keep them; and may God bless and keep their families. {time} 1145 Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. King). Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues today in supporting this resolution. I want to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for the leadership he has shown on this issue, as he has shown on so many since he has come to the United States Congress. Mr. Speaker, the great bravery of these men has been detailed by the previous speakers today. I have a particular interest in this matter, because Harry Ford and Brian Fahey are both constituents of mine, Harry Ford from Long Beach and Brian Fahey from East Rockaway. Each left behind a wife and three children. They really epitomize what the New York City Fire Department is all about. Of course, as the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) said, John Downing grew up in the community of Woodside, where I also grew up, and which is now so ably represented by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley). I say this, I make the personal connection only because I think too often we take for granted that so many of the men and women we know who are firefighters are doing such a courageous job day in and day out, and yet we take it for granted; we assume they are going to do the job. It is only when something as tragic and momentous as this terrible Father's Day incident occurred, that it drives home to us just how brave they are, just how much they put their lives on the line, day in and day out. I cannot imagine what a dangerous job, I cannot imagine what a tragic death, than what these three firefighters went through. So I today join with all of my colleagues in expressing not only our condolences, but also our thanks and gratitude for what firefighters in New York City, Long Island, throughout our State and throughout our Nation do. Every day they put their lives on the line, we are the beneficiaries; and it is unfortunate that it takes something as tragic as this Father's Day disaster to remind us of just how deserving these men and women are of our undying thanks and gratitude. So, again, I thank the gentleman for introducing the resolution. I am proud to urge its adoption. I certainly send my best wishes and condolences to the wives and children of these three brave firefighters. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel). Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), as well as my friend and neighbor, the gentleman from Long Island, New York (Mr. Grucci), for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, even as a new member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I believe that no Member of Congress' words can adequately describe the loss that we have suffered. So I would like to include in the Record today excerpts of a recent Newsday editorial entitled, ``For Firefighters, Risk of Death Is All in a Day's Work.'' The editorial begins, ``The job has not changed that much over the years,'' George Burke of the International Association of Firefighters said yesterday. ``While most people run away from disasters, firefighters are paid to run straight into them. And for all of the recent equipment advances, the guarantees of safety are still precious few. A building filled with working firefighters can suddenly explode like a bomb. Or a flaming roof can collapse. Or a wooden floor can give away without warning. All of this may easily explain why fire fighting is the nation's most dangerous public sector job. ``On Father's Day afternoon three members of the New York Fire Department, Harry Ford, John Downing and Brian Fahey, died as they tried to protect residents of Astoria, Queens, from the dangers of a horrific hardware store fire. All told, the three men leave behind eight children. ``In addition, two other FDNY members were seriously injured in the disaster, Joseph Vosilla and Brendan Manning, and some 50 more were less seriously hurt. This goes with the territory as well. Burke says 40 percent of all firefighters nationally suffer an injury in the line of duty every year.'' ``We have lost 3 very brave firefighters,'' Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said on Sunday of Ford, Fahey and Downing. ``This is one the most tragic days that I can remember.'' The mayor is right about that, and I join the rest of the New York delegation and all Members of Congress in offering my condolences to the families and fellow workers of these selfless men. Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon). Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, I would not be in this body, I would not be in politics, were it not for the fire service. I grew up in a firehouse family, and I became president and chief of my fire company, went back and got a degree in fire protection and helped train the firefighters from 80 companies before I came here. It is tragic that we have to come to talk about the fire service when we have funerals. I have been to hundreds of firefighter funerals in this city, in New York, and around the country. Each year we lose over 100 firefighters. Many of them are volunteers. Because we have 1.2 million firefighters in the country out of 32,000 departments, each year 100 of them die. We come today to pay the respects for three more heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, three ordinary people doing extraordinary things, who left behind children, who had dreams. In fact, John Downing was about to go on his vacation the day after he was killed in that tragic fire. Harry Ford and Brian Fahey were outstanding professionals in every sense of the word. We come today to honor them, and I want to give my highest respect to [[Page 12098]] their families and to the work they have done. But that is not enough. We in this body must now recognize that these brave individuals need our support. We fund $300 billion a year for international defenders, our military, and I am in the forefront of that support. We fund $4 billion a year in this body for support of our law enforcement professionals, even paying for half the cost of their police vests. The total funding for the fire service up until last year was zero, nada, even though we are now asking them to deal with international incidents, like terrorism. The World Trade Center bombing, which I attended, was handled with Fire Department firefighters from New York City. So I say the highest honor that we can bestow upon these three individuals is to renew our efforts to increase funding to give the proper technology to these heroes nationwide. They deserve thermal- imaging protection. They deserve turnout suits. They deserve the kind of GPS systems to allow their chiefs to know where they are in the building, so they are not trapped by toxic gasses, so they know what floor they are on. All of these are within our capability; and as a tribute to these three people, we should renew our efforts to make sure that happens. In working with my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci), who has been a tireless advocate for the fire service on Long Island, I pledge my continued support to make sure we never forget the legacy of these three brave American heroes. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner). Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, tonight as we lay our heads down to sleep, all across this country and in New York City, we will be tucking in our children, telling them good-night stories, knowing that they will be safe until morning. Well, that is not true for the eight children who lost their fathers in the blaze on June 17. Frankly, as all of us sleep at night, we do so sanguine in the knowledge that all across this country, and particularly in New York City, we have brave men and women who spend that night watching over us, literally. There is probably no other profession in the world where a group of men and women sits by the phone waiting for the worst and most horrific things to happen so they can jump into duty. Well, today while we take the opportunity to commemorate the lives of Brian Fahey, Harry Ford and John Downing, we recognize, of course, that every day here after and every day so far we have been protected by the men and women of New York's bravest and all those fire officials all around the Nation. Tonight and every other night we might think in our prayers to say thank you for the firemen and women who protect us, but perhaps this is an opportunity for us to be reminded that we ought to. Very rarely do we wake up in the morning and say I want to thank God there was no fire in my house last night. But we should always remember that, if there ever is, there is going to be a group of very heroic people who are requesting to run to that problem. We do not know the three men very closely that we memorialize today, but all throughout our country there are others like them. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us the next time we walk by our local firehouse to stick our head in and say thank you. To those eight children who lost their fathers on Father's Day, there are no words that can comfort you, except that you should know that your fathers were true American heroes and we in the United States House of Representatives pay tribute to them today. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. I thank the sponsor of this legislation, and I come as a friend to the floor of the House. The last couple of days I have been talking about Houston and the tragedies that we have faced. In facing those tragedies, the key element of helping to recover those people who were in need in Houston were firefighters. So I come today to pay honor to the New York firefighters, John Downing and Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, who lost their lives on Father's Day. This is simply a statement to say that those of us who have grown up looking at the firefighters as major heroes, tall, now men and women, still continue to admire them for the sacrifice they make every day on our behalf. Firefighters save lives on a daily basis, whether it is resuscitating a victim; whether it is getting a frightened family out of a burning building; whether it is dealing with hazardous toxic wastes, and maybe even putting a smile on someone's face in the well-renowned effort to save a cat out of a tree. Firefighters are our best friends. And to those eight children of those wonderful men, might I say to you that your fathers will continue to be American heroes. How sad that they lost their lives on Father's Day; but how important it is for us to never, never forget. I rise today in support H. Res. 172 which honors New York firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford who gave their lives in the service of their community and their country. On Sunday, June 17, 350 firefighters and numerous police officers responded to an emergency call at the Long Island General Supply Company in Queens, NY. During the course of the battle to put out the blaze, two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured, two of whom were injured severely. Tragically, three firefighters were killed in the course of their duty as firefighters: John J. Downing of Ladder Company 163, a husband, a father of two, and an 11-year veteran; Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a husband, a father of three, and 14-year veteran; and finally, Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a husband, a father of three, and 27-year veteran. Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors these great heroes of our community who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so that we all may sleep better and safer at night. This resolution expresses our deepest sympathy for their families of these brave heroes, and pledges our support and work on behalf of all of the nation's firefighters. To all of those who lost in this blaze, the families, and to all the unspoken heroes who fight for us and risk life and limb each and every day, this Congress expresses its sincerest gratitude on behalf of the American people. Your commitment and sacrifice will live on in all of us forever. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record information for the memorial for all of our fallen heroes and our tributes today for our three heroes from New York. The Memorial, Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO ``somewhere--everyday'' ``Somewhere-Everyday'', is the copyrighted title given to the 17 foot, ``Heroic'' bronze Memorial statute by Artist and Sculptor Mr. Gary Coulter since it is with this frequency that somewhere every day Fire Fighters are engaged in acts of heroism and saving lives. All too often Fire Fighters give the ultimate sacrifice . . . their lives, in the line of duty. Mr. Coulter has captured the last step of a successful rescue while clutching a child safely within sheltering arms. The rubble of fire forms the base of this magnificent tribute of dedication and heroism. Mr. Coulter designed, with purpose, unequal beams of the 17 foot tall ladder. In the ``art'' world, ``unequal, parallel, lines define infinity''. As Gary stated, Fire Fighters acts of heroism does just that . . . it will always be that way! ``Somewhere-Everyday'' weighs 2,600 pounds, it's base extends 40 feet into the ground to bed rock. Somewhere- Everyday, was delivered to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Committee in 1987 after nine months of work and a cost of $60,000. This remarkable sculpture was dedicated October 15th, 1988. Behind the Memorial sculpture is the Wall-Of-Honor containing names of Fire Fighters that have died in the line of duty since 1976. There have been countless numbers of Fire Fighters prior to this year that have made the ultimate sacrifice. 1976 is however when the United States Congress passed a bill titled the Public Service Officers Benefit and began real recording of deaths in the line of duty of Fire Fighters. This does not take away any feelings the Brotherhood of Fire Fighters. This does not take away any feelings the Brotherhood of Fire Fighting has for those in the past that have died-in-the- [[Page 12099]] line-of-duty. It is further reason to identify, in silent tribute, the immeasurable numbers of devoted, courageous acts of heroism for accurate inscriptions. Fire Fighters are all: Part kid, adult, husband, father, or even wife or mother. They all are in real life human and have families. A Fire Fighters's family struggles daily as their ``Hero goes off to work without security in knowing if their loved one will be hurt before seeing him/her again. They all know the dangerous profession that has been chosen by their special person. With every wail or siren, uncertainty tugs at heart-strings'' in a way that only a Fire Fighters Wife, Husband, Mother, Father or Family feels. It is to them that this Memorial is dedicated. Special people . . . caring and living in a very special way. ``lamentations'' A gallant, noble sacrifice, a selfless life laid down: So rare this public servant's worth, no greater treasure found. No greater act of decency, no greater human love, no greater courage demonstrated by lives they gave. This tribute to unselfish hearts today will testify, that health and safety have a price, that firefighters die. The shadow of this sentinel, into tomorrow cast, forever will the gravestones shield of heroes who have passed. It bathes their tombs in bravery, and brands upon our memory the fight they gave, the cancelled debt, let town and peoples not forget the price they paid to keep us safe, our lives and homes secure. We honor these who gave their all their memories here endure. --Firehouse Poetry by Lt. Aaron Espy, L.A.F.F. #2819. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). The time of the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) has expired. Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for introducing this resolution. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization; as well as the ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), for expediting consideration for this resolution. I urge all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler). Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, we are here to pass this resolution honoring John Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, who lost their lives on Father's Day in the course of a tragic fire in New York; but really we are honoring all firefighters, because there are hundreds of thousands of firefighters throughout this land, in New York and every other State, who daily risk their lives; and it is only by accident of fate that these three people, unfortunately, were killed. Every firefighter risks his or her life every day of the year for the safety of all of us, and certainly we ought to honor them and their sacrifices and their potential sacrifices. We all sleep soundly, and we take for granted the heroism of these people whose services we might need at any day. They are not paid as well as they should be, they live probably in conditions not as well as they ought to, but we all depend on them for our lives and property; and we ought to honor them and express our sorrow and our condolences at this loss. Mr. Speaker, I join in supporting this resolution. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of honoring New York City firefighters John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford. Mr. Speaker, these three brave men made the ultimate sacrifice on June 17th when they responded to a fire at a hardware store in Queens in the early afternoon. Some might have called it a routine call. All three men were veterans of the department and had between 11 and 27 years of experience in one of the busiest departments in the country. Undoubtedly they had all been on this type of call hundreds of times before. Unfortunately, no call in the fire service is ever really routine. Every 82 seconds in this country the call for help goes out to America's fire service. And when that alarm bell rings, the men and women of the fire service know all too well that the call could be their last. Every year in this country we lose about 100 firefighters in the line of duty. A number that I consider appallingly high. An additional 45,000 firefighters suffer injuries--some of them permanently debilitating. When you factor in training accidents and injuries sustained responding to calls, the number tops 88,000. I did not know firefighters Downing, Fahey, or Ford. But they say that the measure of a man's character is his service to others. By this standard these men were giants for the sacrifice they made. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of House Resolution 172 to honor fallen New York City Firefighters John J. Downing of Ladder Company 163, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford both of Rescue Company 4. These men made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their sacred duties this past Father's Day, June 17th fighting a terrible blaze. In that tragic fire at the Long Island General Supply Company in Queens, New York our state lost three brave heroes, three dedicated fathers, and three devoted husbands. Words can not describe the debt of gratitude we as a nation owe these fine men. I join my Colleagues in expressing my deepest sympathies to their families. At 2:20 p.m. that Sunday the alarm came in. As they had done so many times in the past, for so many years, Firefighters Downing, Fahey and Ford responded to the call without hesitation. At first, the blaze appeared to be small and routine. Then as the fire built inside, a massive explosion erupted turning the 128-year-old store into a heap of rubble. In the wake of the blast, these three brave men had answered their final alarm trying to enter the building to do a job they had accomplished so many times before. Much like the 1.7 million firefighters across the nation including the volunteers and paid professionals in my own district in Central New York, these men and their families knew and accepted the risks associated with the nature of their work. Each and every day, whenever the fire whistle blows, fire bell rings, or fire pager sounds, the firefighters in our country respond in an instant, working to protect and secure the lives and property of others and ready to make the same sacrifices that were made in Queens this past Father's Day. As we honor our fallen heroes from New York City, we must also remember the brave men and women who fight fires on a daily basis in our country. From fighting structure fires to rescuing entrapped victims at motor vehicle accidents, our nation's firefighters are fearless in practicing the laws of God, as they are brave in protecting the lives and property of their fellowmen. Firefighters Downing, Fahey, and Ford took this spirit to the ultimate limit. We are fortunate to have so many firefighters like these men, firefighters who believe in what they are doing, and who will fight to the very end for what they believe. For this, I pay tribute to them as well as to all the brave firefighters across our nation. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about issues of public safety. H. Res. 172, honoring the fallen firefighters from the Father's Day blaze in New York City, was on the floor this afternoon commemorating the heroic efforts of those firefighters. John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford were dedicated and experienced firefighters whose service to the city they loved was truly inspirational. It strikes me that being a firefighter is one of the most physically challenging and dangerous professions possible. The men and women who undertake firefighting as a career are at risk every day trying to keep their fellow citizens safe from fires but also are responsible for an ever-growing number of tasks. Today's firefighters are responsible for hazardous material clean up, response to terrorist threats and emergencies, and providing information to citizens on fire safety techniques. America's colleges let out for the summer recently but not without some loss of innocence for our children. Fire can affect our kids as much as it affects the lives of firefighters. I have introduced H.R. 2145, the Campus Fire Prevention Act, in an effort to address the safety of college students. My legislation will provide funds for the installation of fire sprinklers and other fire suppression devices in college dormitories, fraternities and sororities. Even one death is too many; one injury is too many when it comes to the safety of our children. The tragedy at Seton Hall University in 1998 opened the eyes of parents and students to the risks of living in dormitories that had not been outfitted with sprinklers or other [[Page 12100]] fire suppression. My bill will provide matching funds to a university or organization that applies given approval by the Department of Education and the Fire Administration. This past school year in Ohio there were four students killed in campus fires. A December fire at the University of Dayton killed one male student in a house fire in a building owned by the university. In May 2001, two fires killed students at John Carroll University and Ohio University. Both students were scheduled to graduate this year. Unfortunately this is not unique to Ohio, there were fire related injuries and fatalities throughout America's universities. I encourage my colleagues to join me in enacting H.R. 2145, it is a common sense measure that has already gained 43 cosponsors. Data has demonstrated fire sprinklers work in protecting property and preventing injury. In buildings with functional fire sprinklers there has not been a fire resulting in more than two fatalities. We should honor the fallen firefighters from New York by helping to prevent future tragedies for firefighters and other innocent Americans. Talking Points How often do fires occur in school, college, and university dormitories and fraternity and sorority houses? In 1997, the latest year for which national fire statistics are available, an estimated 1,500 structure fires occurred in school, college, and university dormitories and fraternity and sorority housing. These fires resulted in no deaths, 47 injuries, and $7 million in direct property damage. Between 1993 and 1997, an estimated average of 1,600 structure fires occurred each year, resulting in eight fatal fires known to NPFA, representing a total of 16 deaths over the five years of 1993-1997, 66 injuries, and $8.9 million in direct property damage per year. How many fires occur specifically in fraternity and sorority housing? Between 1993 and 1997, an annual average of 154 structure fires occurred in fraternity and sorority houses, resulting in 18 injuries, and $2.9 million in direct property damage per year. What are the most common causes of fires at school, college, and university dormitories and fraternity and sorority housing? The leading cause of fire in these types of occupancies is incendiary or suspicious causes. The second and third causes of these on- and off- campus housing fires are cooking and smoking, respectively. How often are smoke or fire alarms and fire sprinklers present in dormitory fires? In 1997, smoke or fire alarms were present in 93% of all dormitory fires, but sprinklers were present in only 28% of these fires. These figures apply only to properties where fires occurred; the overall fraction of properties with these active systems is probably higher. On average, direct property damage per fire is 36% lower in dormitory fires where sprinklers are present compare to those where sprinklers are not present. H.R. 2145--the Campus Fire Prevention Act is identical to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator John Edwards of North Carolina and designated S. 399. The bill is intended to supply money for colleges to retrofit sprinklers in dorms and allows fraternities and sororities to access the $100,000,000 in money each year over 5 years. The bill provides money in the form of federal matching grants for the installation of fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression or prevention technologies in college living situations (including sororities and fraternities). Priority would be given to any organization applying for the money from the bill with an inability to fund the fire suppression without accessing the funds under the bill. Grants would be administered through the Department of Education in consultation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The bill does not mandate using fire sprinkler systems in dorms, only provides funds for those who would like to make their residents safer. Currently there are 43 cosponsors to H.R. 2145 and it has received endorsements from many campus organizations like the College Parents of America and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of John J. Downing, Brian Fahon, and Harry Ford. Each of them will be sorely missed. We are forever in your debt and can never repay your loss. More than just firefighters, these men were husbands, fathers, and upstanding members of their communities. They paid the ultimate sacrifice and taught us a powerful lesson about honor, bravery, and sacrifice. These are traits that all firefighters possess. It is a shame that only through such tragedies we recognize this fact. They were great firefighters, husbands, and fathers. Since the tragic June 17 event, America learned of the vibrant and rich lives of these three men. In the process, we developed a love for them and cried with their families as they mourned their losses. John J. Downing, an 11- year veteran, husband and father of two; Brian Fahey, a 14-year veteran, husband and father of three; Harry Ford, a 27-year veteran, husband and father of three will not be forgotten. Mr. Downing became famous for his bravery in the 1992 USAir plane crash into Flushing Bay. Mr. Fahey was considered one of the fire department's elite, he worked in the rescue department. Mr. Ford was cited for bravery ten times during the course of his career, including rescuing a baby from a burning building. It is clear to everyone they were exceptional at their job. These men did not die in vain. Today, as we recognize their bravery, let us pledge our support to work on behalf of all of the nation's firefighters who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all Americans. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with mixed emotions as we pay tribute to firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford. As I stand here I cannot help but feel both sadness and admiration, both respect and grief. While this tragedy is unfortunately close-to-home for New Yorkers, people the world over are paying homage to these three men today. Sadness, Mr. Speaker; that these brave men's lives were tragically taken from their families, friends and communities on June 17, 2001 when they dutifully responded to the call to put out a deadly fire that was destroying the Long Island General Supply Company in Astoria, New York. Admiration, Mr. Speaker; for these three firefighters who exemplified the word: Heroes. These three heroes woke-up every morning, ready and willing to fight any fire that threatened our community. These three heroes who worked so that the rest of us could enjoy our lives free from worry or concern of a deadly fire. Respect, Mr. Speaker; for these three heroes who were dedicated to a career as firefighters that required them to work to protect individuals that they may never have known. When they were called on to rescue these people from fires, these three heroes did so with the same commitment that they would feel for protecting their own families. And grief, Mr. Speaker; for the devoted wives, loving children and proud communities that are without these three heroes as a result of this horrific tragedy. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in unity with the entire NY Congressional delegation and ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives today to join us in honoring the memory of firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford. {time} 1200 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 172. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of those present have voted in the affirmative. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________