[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 176]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ERIC BOTKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 15, 2010

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Eric Botkin, a retired firefighter paramedic and valued member of the 
community of Riverside, California. Riverside has been blessed by 
dynamic and dedicated leaders, like Eric, who willingly and unselfishly 
give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to 
live and work.
  Eric Botkin began his career with the City of Riverside Fire 
Department on May 1, 1998. He held the position of firefighter 
paramedic until his retirement. During his career he performed as a 
fire investigator from February 18, 2000 through July 5, 2002. He 
completed Engine Certification on November 2, 2007. His last assignment 
was Fire Station 13 on Canyon Springs Blvd.
  Prior to working for the City of Riverside Fire Department Eric was a 
paid/call firefighter with the Orange County Fire Authority. He also 
worked for Lifefleet Ambulance and Medtrans Ambulance before pursuing 
his fire department career.
  Eric passed away at his Temecula home on December 27th surrounded by 
family and friends, including his wife, Hallie, and son, Hunter, 10, 
after battling glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer. Eric 
Botkin was diagnosed in October of 2007 and retired from the fire 
department on October 30, 2008. For the past two years Eric remained 
upbeat and was an inspiration to all.
  On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these 
remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of Riverside Firefighter 
Eric Botkin. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend 
my condolences to his dear family and friends.

                          ____________________