[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15918]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE BRAVERY OF THE NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE 
                       NEW YORK STATE PARK POLICE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroes of the 
Niagara Falls Fire Department and the New York State Park Police. Last 
Sunday evening, these brave first responders rescued a woman on the 
verge of ending her own life at the edge of the vast Niagara Falls. 
Without hesitation, these men put their own lives in danger to save 
another.
  Niagara Falls is one of the greatest natural treasures on earth. One 
of the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls plunges a 
dramatic 180 feet, or 16 stories. It is a wondrous site that attracts 
millions of tourists every year. But with its immense beauty comes 
immense dangers. Over the years, police and fire personnel in Niagara 
Falls have performed daring rescues to save people who have gotten too 
close to the edge.
  On Sunday evening, a suicidal woman ventured out to a ledge just a 
few feet from the edge of the mighty falls. Responding first to the 
scene, New York State Park Police officers Scott Durham and Timothy 
Coulombe kept the woman calm until rescue personnel from the Niagara 
Falls Fire Department arrived.
  State Park Police Lieutenant Patrick Moriarty, Niagara Falls Fire 
Battalion Chief John Jacoby, and Niagara Falls firefighters Gary 
Carella and David Beahen all made their way out onto the ledge, just 
feet from the edge. Mr. Carella spoke to the woman with Mr. Beahen 
securing him from behind. As the woman suddenly began to slide towards 
the falls, Mr. Carella lunged to seize her, while Mr. Beahen lunged to 
catch him. They safely brought the woman to shore amid the cheers of 
dozens of onlookers who had gathered to watch this dramatic rescue.
  I want to thank these men, and the personnel from Engine 8, Engine 4, 
Truck 1 and Rescue 1 who assisted them, for their astounding courage. 
The rescue only reaffirms what we already know: that the first 
responders of Niagara County are some of the finest. We should all feel 
safer knowing that that these brave men and women do such a stellar 
job, around the clock. I applaud and admire their valor and altruism.

                          ____________________