[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING FALLEN OWEGO FIREFIGHTER CAPTAIN MATT PORCARI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2013

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize fallen Owego 
Firefighter Captain Matt Porcari. Captain Porcari belonged to the Owego 
Fire Department for 18 years before his tragic death while actively 
responding to a mutual aid fire call in Newark Valley, New York. He was 
34 years old and leaves behind a wife Christina, two children and three 
step-children.
  Captain Porcari was a dedicated volunteer in the department who began 
his service at age 16, serving as a mentor and friend to newer members. 
His caring nature extended beyond the Owego community, demonstrated by 
his assistance to the Long Beach Fire Station following Hurricane Sandy 
and by his efforts to organize a trip to pay tribute to the fallen 
firefighters in Webster, New York. In addition, Captain Porcari led the 
Croton Hose Company #3 in the Central New York Hose Racing 
Championships and was a member of the youngest team to win a CNY 
Championship in 1995.
  Captain Porcari's legacy was honored this June at the Owego Fallen 
Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament, which was held in honor of 
Captain Porcari and other fallen Owego firefighters. The monies raised 
at the tournament will support scholarships for Owego Free Academy's 
graduating seniors pursuing careers as first responders. Additional 
monies will go to the development and maintenance of an Owego Fire 
Department training facility.
  Today we honor Matt Porcari's sacrifice. Let us remember every day 
the price paid by true heroes such as Matt.

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