[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15527]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF DELAWARE FIGHFIGHTERS SELFLESSLY FIGHTING NATIONAL 
                                 BLAZES

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the status 
of the National Fire Plan, the 2002 Wildfire season and the Delawareans 
who risked their lives to save others. Since January 1, over 47,000 
wildfires have burned more than 3,200,000 acres around the country. The 
vast majority of these fires have been small, just a few acres at most; 
however, several have been massive fires consuming hundreds or 
thousands of acres. To those living nearest these fires, they have 
suffered a tremendous loss. But thanks to the outstanding effort and 
tireless dedication of firefighters from around the country, many of 
these large wildfires have been suppressed, and the smaller fires have 
been prevented from growing larger.
  While wildfires tend to be a greater problem in the West, concern for 
the residents, for their health, for their safety, and for their homes 
extends nationwide. In Delaware, we have not experienced the 
devastating effects of fires seen in other states, yet men and women 
from my state have been willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with 
their brothers and sisters in helping fight these devastating fires.
  The Delaware Wildfire Fire Crew, a 20-member advanced firefighting 
group made up of eight Department of Agriculture Forest Services 
employees and twelve volunteers has been on the road for two weeks, 
battling fires in Wyoming, South Dakota, and Virginia. Most recently, 
the crew helped put out a lightning sparked fire that burned 
approximately 850 acres of the George Washington National Forest in 
Virginia.
  Their heroism and their selflessness were apparent. I want you to 
know that my heart was filled with pride when I learned this convoy of 
Delaware firefighting personnel was en route to offer assistance. These 
men and women were willing to stop what they were doing at a moment's 
notice. They were willing to put their own lives on hold, leave their 
own families, and help those who needed help.
  At some point, all of us need to look back and take stock of where we 
have been and where we are going. Have we lived our lives in the 
service to others, or merely for ourselves? Have we made clear our 
commitments and worked with purpose to fulfill them, or simply 
meandered in search of a cause? At the end of the day, can we say with 
confidence that we did our best and worked to our fullest potential?
  For these firefighters, and the thousands of others fighting this 
season's wildfires, the answers are clear. They live a life of service. 
They embody a commitment to excellence that serves as an example and an 
inspiration to us all. Whether working to protect those of us here in 
Delaware, or risking their lives to fight the raging wildfires of the 
West, they proved to us that if a family is in trouble, if a fire 
threatens a home--Delaware's volunteer firefighters will be there for 
us--and for America--leading the way.

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