Recognizing and Honoring Firefighters for their Many Contributions in Our Nation's History
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING FIREFIGHTERS FOR THEIR MANY CONTRIBUTIONS IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY -- (House of Representatives - April 06, 2005)
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Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 188, a bipartisan resolution that I have offered, along with the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), honoring the service and sacrifices of our Nation's firefighters.
I am a former volunteer firefighter, so I understand what our 1.1 million firefighters give up in the name of service. Our firefighters, whether they are paid or volunteer, put their lives at risk with every call they must answer.
Our paid firefighters are active in many charitable activities that benefit our communities. They lose time away from their families. They train and prepare, yet they never complain. Madam Speaker, in the case of volunteer firefighters, they often have to devote time in raising money to purchase equipment and pay for training that will keep them safe while they protect us and our property.
Sadly, each year over 100 firefighters lose their lives in the line of duty. I encourage every Member of Congress to pay a visit to the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
From my home State of Mississippi in 2004, two firefighters were killed in the line of duty. Those two firefighters, Elliott Davis, Jr., and Terrie Eiland, paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow citizens.
Recently, Mississippi constructed a memorial park in Pearl, Mississippi, to honor the 67 firefighters from the State who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We all vividly remember the heroism of the firefighters in New York on 9/11; over 340 firefighters lost their lives on this horrific day.
It is impossible to know, Madam Speaker, how many thousands of lives the selfless response of the New York firefighters saved that day. Our firefighters and other first responders are the first line of defense for many incidents of terrorism or national disaster.
This week over 2,000 fire service leaders from around the United States are in Washington to attend the 17th annual Natural Fire and Emergency Services dinner and seminar. These fine men and women are here to learn more about what we are doing in Washington to support firefighters.
At the same time, we can learn a great deal from them. These men and women are the living embodiment of what makes this country so great. I encourage each Member of Congress to take time from their schedules to meet with their local fire service representatives who are in town.
Madam Speaker, it gives me great pride to stand before this body in support of House Resolution 188, a measure that honors and recognizes firefighters for their many contributions throughout our history. In many respects, this measure says thank you to all firefighters for all of the sacrifices, the dedication, and the commitment they continually display in protecting our towns, cities, States, and our Nation.
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