[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23598]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ROBERT RICCIARDI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to 
Robert Ricciardi, a New York City firefighter who's retiring today 
after many years of service to the city of New York and to the people 
of New York.
  Robert is an exemplary model of what makes the Fire Department of New 
York the best Fire Department in the world. Like many other 
firefighters, Robert spent a great deal of his free time volunteering 
throughout his community on Staten Island. He was an active member of 
his church and spent much time coaching youth sports. As a matter of 
fact, I bet tonight Robert will be at the St. Claire's gym for youth 
basketball tryouts.
  Robert has served New York City with distinction as one of New York's 
bravest. Over the course of his career he's helped save the lives of 
countless people, risking his own safety to protect others. Like his 
fellow firefighters and so many throughout the country, Robert rushed 
into burning buildings as others ran in the opposite direction with a 
singular mission, to save the lives of the people whose names he did 
not know, that he never met and might never see again. Robert 
understood that one of the most important contributions we can make is 
to help others in need. He's dedicated his life to this principle, and 
he leaves behind a great legacy of service.
  Robert, like so many firefighters across Staten Island and the city 
also knew many who lost their lives on September 11, as the previous 
speaker just mentioned, and with that, he carries that with him 
throughout his life.
  We also know that Staten Island and all of New York are better off 
because of Robert's dedication and decision to be one of New York 
City's bravest. His service will be clearly missed, but we are 
fortunate that Robert will continue to be a positive force in our local 
community. We wish Robert and his wife, Dorine, along with their four 
children, Robert, Christian, Nicole and Gregory, the best of luck in 
their future, wherever it may take them.
  I'm honored to call Robert a friend, and I'm delighted to have this 
opportunity to say thank you for all that you've done for New York 
City.
  Good luck, Robert. We wish you well.

{time}  1715

                          ____________________