[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20460]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       GARY LEE ``DEUCE'' STALEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, during the 2004 Fallen Fire Heroes 
Memorial Weekend, our nation will come together to honor the 107 
firefighters who perished in the line of duty last year. Regretfully, 
eight Texas firefighters lost their lives, two of whom are from the 8th 
Congressional District.
  We are not here to mourn the loss as much as we are here to celebrate 
the lives of these dedicated heroes that serve selflessly in the worst 
of conditions to keep us safe. We celebrate their commitment, their 
compassion and their courage. So many hours of training; days and 
nights of service; time away from their families and friends; comradery 
with their brothers; lives and homes saved... it is impossible to put 
into words our gratitude for these heroes in our lives and our 
communities.
  Gary Lee ``Deuce'' Staley of the Porter Volunteer Fire Department, 
will have his name added to the plaques surrounding the National Fallen 
Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland, just outside of 
Washington, D.C. this weekend.
  As a member of the Porter Volunteer Fire Department, Deuce died 
serving the community that he loved and will always be remembered for 
his heroism and sacrifice.
  In January 2003, Deuce was responding to a fire at an antique car 
showroom. While attempting to lead three stranded firefighters out of 
the blaze and to safety, a car filled with nitrous oxide exploded, 
killing Staley instantly.
  Firefighters represent the best our community has to offer. We honor 
them today, not only for their final act of bravery but for the lives 
they led. A firefighter's work can some times be thankless, but of all 
the men and women I've met, meet challenge and the danger without 
complaints and without regret. Their lives provided hope and comfort to 
victims of horrible events that we pray never come to us or the ones we 
love.
  This remembrance service is as much a celebration of their lives and 
their ideals as it is a time to reflect on what we have lost. 
Firefighters remind us that heroes are every day people who decide to 
devote their lives and work to something greater than themselves.
  Today we are here to honor Gary Staley and his brothers, the 106 
nationwide who've sacrificed so much. With the start of a new day, we 
honor the families and friends they've left behind. Mr. Speaker, our 
prayers are always with them. Together as a community and a nation, we 
say thank you to those who will stand in the place of those who have 
fallen and will continue to faithfully serve and protect.

                          ____________________