[Pages H3628-H3635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

HONORING JOHN J. DOWNING, BRIAN FAHEY, AND HARRY FORD, WHO LOST THEIR
LIVES IN DUTIES AS FIREFIGHTERS

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 172) honoring John J.
Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives in the
course of duty as firefighters.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Res. 172

Whereas on June 17, 2001, 350 firefighters and numerous
police officers responded to a 911 call that sent them to
Long Island General Supply Company in Queens, New York;
Whereas a fire and an explosion in a two-story building had
turned the 128-year-old, family-owned store into a heap of
broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass;
Whereas all those who responded to the scene served without
reservation and with their personal safety on the line;
Whereas two civilians and dozens of firefighters were
injured by the blaze, including firefighters Joseph Vosilla
and Brendan Manning who were severely injured;
Whereas John J. Downing of Ladder Company 163, an 11-year
veteran of the department and resident of Port Jefferson
Station, and a husband and father of two, lost his life in
the fire;
Whereas Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a 14-year veteran
of the department and resident of East Rockaway, and a
husband and father of three, lost his life in the fire; and
Whereas Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a 27-year veteran
of the department from Long Beach, and a husband and father
of three, lost his life in the fire: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford,
who lost their lives in the course of duty as firefighters,
and recognizes them for their bravery and sacrifice;
(2) extends its deepest sympathies to the families of these
three brave heroes; and
(3) pledges its support and to continue to work on behalf
of all of the Nation's firefighters who risk their lives
every day to ensure the safety of all Americans.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann
Davis).

General Leave

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and
extend their remarks on H. Res. 172.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 172, and I commend
its sponsor, the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for
introducing it.
This resolution honors three fighters, John J. Downing, Brian Fahey,
and Harry Ford, who lost their lives fighting a fire in Queens, New
York, earlier this month.
The resolution also expresses the deepest sympathies of this House
for their families. Finally, Mr. Speaker, it pledges that the House
will continue to support and work for all American firefighters who
risk their lives every day to keep us all safe.
On June 17, Mr. Speaker, these three men were among the 350
firefighters and numerous police officers who responded to a fire and
explosion at the Long Island General Supply Company. As the resolution
notes, this disaster reduced a 128-year-old two-story building to a
heap of broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass.
Two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured by the blaze,
including two firefighters who were severely injured.
The three firefighters who died were veteran firefighters. Mr.
Downing had

[[Page H3629]]

served for 11 years; Mr. Fahey for 14 years; Mr. Ford for 27. They left
behind grieving families. Mr. Downing was a husband and father of two.

{time} 1115

Mr. Fahey is survived by his wife and three children. Mr. Ford was a
husband and father of three. Nothing this House can say or do, Mr.
Speaker, will lessen the losses these families have experienced. At
best, we can hope that they will be somewhat comforted by our
recognition and appreciation for their loved ones' bravery.
As the House considers this resolution, I also ask my colleagues to
remember the dangers and risks that firefighters voluntarily assume
every day across the country. By honoring these firefighters, we will
also honor the sacrifices of all those firefighters who lay their lives
on the line day in and day out to protect their neighbors.
On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I will add that I am the wife of a
retired city fire chief. I am personally acquainted with the dangers
and challenges that firefighters encounter and extend my sympathies to
these families that have lost their fathers and husbands. Those of us
whose family members have served as firefighters without suffering
serious injuries can count our blessings and can empathize with the
loss they must feel. I encourage all Members to support this
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
On Father's Day, three brave firefighters died when a massive
explosion suddenly ripped through a Queens hardware store, burying them
under an avalanche of rubble.
John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford lost their lives when
what seemed like a routine fire turned into a five-alarm blaze. The
devastation marked the deadliest day for the New York Fire Department
since three firefighters were killed in a pre-Christmas 1998 high-rise
blaze in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
The names of Downey, Fahey, and Ford will one day be added to the
Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs,
Colorado. In front of the memorial wall is a statue called, ``Somewhere
Everyday.'' Somewhere every day firefighters are engaged in acts of
heroism and saving lives, as these firefighters were doing on Father's
Day. The ``Somewhere Everyday'' statue depicts a firefighter descending
a ladder and taking the last step of a successful rescue while
clutching a child safely within his arms. The rubble from the fire
forms the base of the tribute.
In the rubble of the Long Island General Supply Company building are
the shattered lives of three wives, eight children, and other family,
friends, and colleagues. The memorial is dedicated to them and all that
they have lost.
I would only hope that they find comfort in knowing that Downey,
Fahey, and Ford died doing what they loved and fulfilling their promise
to keep their communities safe and the lives and homes of the people
they served secure.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to yield the
rest of my time to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) to
manage.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shaw). Is there objection to the request
of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney)
may control the time.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci).
Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to take this moment to thank
my fellow colleagues in the New York delegation, Governor George
Pataki, the Committee on Government Reform, and the Congressional Fire
Services Caucus for joining me in honoring these brave men today.
House Resolution 172 honors the memory of these heroes who lost their
lives in the line of duty on Sunday, June 17, 2001. It was a sad
Father's Day, where eight children lost their dads and three wives
became widows. These men, Harry Ford, 50, of Long Beach; Brian Fahey,
46, of East Rockaway; and John J. Downing, 40, a resident of Port
Jefferson Station in my congressional district gave their lives
fighting a fire in an effort to save the lives and properties of the
people of New York. On that day, as on every other day in their
careers, they lived up to the motto of the New York City Fire
Department, ``New York's Bravest.''
Along with their fellow firefighters from Rescue Company 4 and Ladder
Company 13, Harry Ford, John Downing, and Brian Fahey responded to what
they believed was an ordinary five-alarm commercial fire at 2:20 p.m.
at a hardware store in Astoria, Queens. As they were battling the
blaze, though, an explosion ripped through the building, trapping
firefighters Downing and Ford beneath the rubble of the building's
facade and firefighter Fahey beneath the basement stairwell.
Their fellow firefighters valiantly worked to save them, some waving
off the medical attention they themselves needed for injuries sustained
in the explosion, as they desperately removed the rubble with their
hands. Sadly, these three men had perished.
John Downing, a resident of New York's First Congressional District,
was a loving father of two children, Joanne, 7, and Michael, 3, and the
husband of Anne, who he married 11 years ago. He was one of seven
children in the Downing family, growing up in Woodside, Queens. John
was one of four Downing children who went on to pursue public service
as a career, joining his brother Dennis as a firefighter, while his
brothers James and Joseph became police officers.
Everyone who knew John called him a hero in every sense of the word.
Every day he was on the job for the past 11 years as a firefighter,
John always gave his all and did his best, whether it was fighting
fires or helping young firefighters to learn their jobs better.
Everyone in the firehouse knew they could count on John. Knowing this,
it was no surprise when firefighter Downing was on the front page of
the New York Daily News 3 years ago. He was pictured on that front page
as a hero once again, rescuing passengers from a commercial jet that
had gone off the runway at LaGuardia Airport into the chilling waters
of Flushing Bay.
Firefighting was not John's entire life, though. He was a family man,
doting over his two children and devoted to his wife. In recent weeks,
he had been working a second job to bring his family on their first
real summer vacation to Ireland, to visit the relatives of his family
and his wife. Sadly, when the alarm for his last fire came in, John was
just 2 hours away from ending his shift and beginning that vacation. As
the alarm went off, John put down the study book he had been reading,
preparing to take the exam to become a lieutenant in the fire
department, grabbed his gear and answered his last call.
Like other firefighters, these brave men risked their lives every day
that they went to work, all in the name of protecting their fellow man.
We all sleep a little easier each night, go to work with an easier mind
every day, and entrust our children in our schools because we know that
men and women like John Downing, Harry Ford, and Brian Fahey stand
ready to protect our lives, our families, and our homes.
Colleagues, please join me in supporting this resolution that
recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of all firefighters, and
particularly of these three brave men.
Mr. Speaker, I will submit for the Record the full letter from
Governor George Pataki, but the letter simply says: ``The five-alarm
blaze that engulfed the Long Island General Supply Company presented a
tremendous hazard to Astoria, Queens, neighbors. More than 350
firefighters responded to the scene to ensure the safety of these
citizens and their community. In the ensuing battle to extinguish the
fire, 50 firefighters were injured, and sadly these three firefighters
gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their efforts prevented the fire from
spreading; and as a result, no civilians were injured. This tragedy
serves as a reminder to all of us that, each day, New York State's
bravest

[[Page H3630]]

perform their duty with the highest degree of distinction and valor by
forsaking their own lives to the benefit of others.
Thank you for offering this resolution and providing the House of
Representatives the opportunity of honoring not only these men but all
firefighters who readily risk their lives throughout the Nation.''
Signed in the signature of Governor George E. Pataki.

State of New York,

Albany, NY, June 25, 2001.
Hon. Felix Grucci,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Congressman Grucci: I want to commend you for your
efforts in honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry
Ford, the courageous firefighters who tragically lost their
lives in the line of duty on June 17, 2001. We all continue
to mourn for the family and friends of our fallen heros.
The five-alarm blaze that engulfed the Long Island General
Supply Company presented a tremendous hazard to its Astoria,
Queens neighbors. More than 350 firefighters responded to the
scene to ensure the safety of these citizens and their
community. In the ensuing battle to extinguish the fire, 50
firefighters were injured, and sadly these three firefighters
gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their efforts prevented the fire
from spreading and as a result, no civilians were injured.
This tragedy serves as a reminder to us all that, each day,
New York State's bravest perform their duties with the
highest degree of distinction and valor by forsaking their
own lives for the benefit of others.
Thank you for offering this resolution that provides the
U.S. House of Representatives the opportunity of honoring not
only these men, but all firefighters who readily risk their
lives throughout the nation.
Very truly yours,
George E. Pataki,
Governor.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume; and I first want to compliment my friend and colleague,
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci), for offering this important
resolution. I am extremely proud to join him as the lead Democrat, and
I congratulate the leadership on both sides of the aisle for bringing
this important resolution to the floor so swiftly. It not only
recognizes their valor and their sacrifice but extends the condolences
of this body to their family; and it pledges our support to continue to
work on behalf of all of our Nation's firefighters, who risk their
leaves every day to ensure the safety of all Americans.
While addressing the friends and family of Brian Fahey, one of the
New York City firefighters who was killed on Sunday, June 17, the
Reverend Anthony Pascual of St. Raymond Church said, ``How do you
measure the quality of a man's life? Not by the number of years he
lived, but by his deeds.'' Three brave men, Brian Fahey, Harry Ford,
and John Downing made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Like all of our brave firefighters and officers, every day that they
worked they risked their lives. Every time they entered a burning
building, they knew that they were putting their lives on the line. But
they placed the safety of others above their own well-being. They died
trying to make our city and our country a safer place.
June 17th was also Father's Day. These three men were not only
firefighters but fathers, and among them they had eight children. New
York City Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen referred to Brian Fahey as
a firefighter to the core. He was a 14-year veteran of the department
who was loved and respected by his colleagues and his family. In
addition to coaching a little league team, one of his greatest passions
was training volunteer firefighters at the Nassau County Fire Service
Academy.

{time} 1130

He is survived by his wife Mary, and was a father of 3-year-old twin
boys, and an 8-year-old son.
Harry Ford was a 27-year veteran of the fire department who has been
cited nine times for his bravery. He was renowned among his colleagues
for his bravery and loyalty. He was also passionate about his family.
He leaves behind his wife Denise and 3 children, a daughter age 24, and
two sons, ages 10 and 12.
John Downing from Woodside, Queens, the third man killed in the
blaze, was an 11-year veteran beloved by his colleagues and respected
as a hardworking and dedicated fire fighter. Mr. Downing was also a
passionate family man, so much so that he had worked two jobs to be
able to take his family on a month-long vacation to Northern Ireland.
He leaves behind his wife Anne, a 7-year old daughter, and a 3-year old
son.
More than 10,000 firefighters from all over the country, some from
California, Florida, and Canada, came to New York to mourn with the
family and friends of these historic, heroic men.
The men and women who fight fires every day have a strong bond
between them. The deaths of these fine men touched the lives of
firefighters everywhere. In remembering these brave men and their great
deeds, we must not only honor their memory, but act now to ensure that
a preventable tragedy such as this one never happens again.
Fire Commissioner Von Essen has said that if the building had been
equipped with a fire sprinkler system, the lives of these three brave
men might have been spared. The fire in the Long Island supply store
that killed these three men and injured many more raged for 12 hours.
Stored in the basement of the building were flammable materials such as
paint thinners and various other chemicals which caused the violent
explosion that took the lives of these men. Because the building was
128 years old, it predated the New York City ordinance that requires a
sprinkler system.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the efforts of my colleagues in city
government who, in learning about this terrible tragedy, are working to
enact legislation requiring sprinkler systems in all buildings that
store flammable materials. We must ensure that such a tragedy does not
reoccur so that the selfless sacrifices of these three men, heroes to
all New Yorkers, were not in vain.
One of my colleagues is the author of the Fire Safety Act, and I
yield to the gentleman before he returns to his committee.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
Pascrell) to place into the record his comments.
(Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks, and include extraneous material.)
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, we are here to salute brothers Downing,
Fahey, and Ford. Too many times, my brothers and sisters here in the
Congress, we have forgotten the other half of the public safety
equation.
Our words are significant and important. I join with the gentlewoman
in sympathy, but we need to do something in the House of
Representatives that sends a clear message to all 32,000 fire
departments across America and all 1 million firefighters that we stand
with them; otherwise, their deaths will have been in vain.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to join and fund what we say we are
going to fund. God bless these heroic men and their families.
I thank Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Grucci for allowing me
the opportunity to speak on this important resolution.
As a former mayor of a medium-sized city, I know the important role
that firefighters play in what I call the Public Safety Equation. And
although their role is often forgotten, firefighters risk their lives
every day to save ours.
On June 17, 2001, three more firefighters gave their lives in the
line of duty. John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford--all long-
time veterans of their respective fire companies and all men with
families--made the ultimate sacrifice as they battled a fire in Queens,
New York on that fateful day.
It is important to remember these men and those before them, because
they truly are heroes.
And it is important that we put our money where our mouths are, and
not just sing the praises of firefighters at local parades and in small
town meetings. Instead, we need to make sure that we are providing
adequate support for fire departments around the country to supplement
local responsibilities.
Next month, the VA-HUD Appropriations bill will be marked up. This
bill will include, hopefully continued funding for the Firefighter
Assistance Grant Program that was authorized last year.
This bill will provide competitive grants directly to the over 32,000
paid, part-paid and volunteer fire departments across America.
As a result of the unity and commitment of firefighting community and
its supporters, the President has returned funding for this program to
his budget.
In order for this program to really help fighfighters, it must be
funded appropriately--and that is $300 million.

[[Page H3631]]

And let's provide this funding with the same bipartisan zeal that we
have displayed throughout the process. That is only appropriate. When
firefighters run into a burning building, they don't as the people they
are saving if they are Democrats or Republicans--and we owe them the
same commitment.
Let's not just speak our thanks on the House Floor. Let's demonstrate
our support and provide firefighters with the resources they need to do
their job.
Let's do it for John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford and
their families. Let's do it for every firefighter in every department
in every state. It's the least we can do.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I commend our colleague, the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Grucci) for his continued dedication to our Nation's
firefighters and for the work he has done, along with Members on both
sides of the aisle in bringing this resolution before the House today.
Each year, thousands of men and women risk their lives to protect the
lives and property of all of American communities. Sadly on June 17,
Father's Day, three firefighters died in their line of duty fighting
fire in Astoria, Queens: Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, from Rescue
Company 4, and John Downing, from Ladder Company 163, were not only
firefighters and fathers, they were prime examples of experienced men
that our New York communities have to offer. Brian Fahey was a 14-year
veteran, a skilled instructor, who left behind a wife and three
children.
John Downing had three children and was planning a trip to Ireland;
and Harry Ford, who was a father of three, was cited nine different
times for his outstanding acts of bravery. All three were Irish
Americans whose lives will not be forgotten by their families or their
communities.
Mr. Speaker, we are here today honoring their lives and giving thanks
for their service, promoting the virtue of their profound and unending
sacrifices, and most importantly, to join in consoling their families
for their loss of lives.
At the same time, let us take advantage of this opportunity to again
pledge our support for all of the dedicated brave men who go to work
each day risking their lives protecting both the lives and property of
our citizens. It is unfortunate that it takes a tragic event such as
this to initiate a dialogue of the profound sentiment we all feel about
our brave firefighters, our police officers, our soldiers, and all of
the men and women who ask them to risk their lives for the sake of
others. Every town, community, and nation is founded on the sacrifices
of those men and women willing to risk their lives for the betterment
of others. I urge my colleagues to join in fully supporting this
measure, H. Res. 172.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. McNulty).
Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues
today in saluting and paying tribute to John Downing, Brian Fahey, and
Harry Ford and expressing our condolences to their families.
What happened on Father's Day this year is a very sad reminder of
what happens all too often in this country. It reminded me specifically
of that sad day a couple of years ago when we lost six of our
firefighters in that tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Mr. Speaker, I have spent a lot of time with firefighters during the
course of my career. I had the tremendous honor of serving as the mayor
of my hometown, as my father did before me and as he does to this very
day at the age of 90. In the course of our careers, we had the
opportunity to work with a great many outstanding firefighters. Today I
spend some of my leisure time with my firefighter friends at Engine 1
in Troy, New York, named for the late Harry Dahl, who gave 44 years of
his life in the fire service in the city of Troy, New York. I have seen
firsthand the dangers that firefighters face every single day of their
lives.
Also a few years back, from the neighboring city of Watervilet,
responding to a mutual alarm in Troy, New York, our fire chief, Tommy
McCormack, lost his life in the line of duty.
Mr. Speaker, nothing can bring back John or Brian or Harry, but I
suggest that there is something that we can do. We can express our
gratitude to all of the firefighters who are serving us today. And so
today I suggest to all of those who are within the sound of my voice,
what I did on the day of the burial of those six heroes in Worcester,
the next time when taking a stroll in the neighborhood when walking
past a fire house, stop by, say hello and say thank you to the
firefighters. Look them in the eye and say thank you for putting their
lives on the line for us and our families 365 days a year.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella).
(Mr. Fossella asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I commend my friend from Long Island, the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for bringing this resolution to
the floor.
Mr. Speaker, for those of us who honored our fathers on Father's Day,
it was pouring rain that day. The whole morning looked like the day was
going to be ruined. About 2:00 the sun came out in Staten Island and
worked its way eastward. There was a call in Queens about that time,
and it seemed to be a routine fire. It did not look like it was a big
deal until we discovered the news which has been echoed here, that
three brave firemen lost their lives.
The purpose here today is to take a moment to honor those men who
bravely gave their lives; and to say to the other firemen that their
brothers did not die in vain. Their families who survived, the
children, our hearts and prayers go out to them; and I hope through
their faith they are able to come through this tragedy with the
knowledge that others share their grief.
Mr. Speaker, the New York Fire Department in particular is a
wonderful resource. In Staten Island, we have lost too many
firefighters: Captain John Drennan, Scott Lapedera, George Lenner,
Chris Sidenberg. These are young heroes who died way before their time.
Mr. Speaker, so to the families especially, know that Members of
Congress, Democrats and Republicans, really honor what those brave men
did; and we will miss them.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).
(Mr. CROWLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my colleagues,
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) and the gentlewoman from New
York (Mrs. Maloney), and thank them for offering this resolution to
memorialize John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, three of New
York's bravest.
They were members of the New York City Fire Department who were
killed in the line of duty on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17. Each of
these men was a decorated veteran of the fire department. Harry Ford
was a 27-year veteran; Brian Fahey had served for 14 years; and John
Downing had served for 11 years. Words alone cannot express the sadness
that we all feel about the deaths of these men. I can only begin to
express my sympathy for their families, especially the eight children
now left behind.
All of these men worked in my district in the Seventh Congressional
District in Queens. Harry Ford and Brian Fahey worked at the elite
Rescue 4 Unit just up the block from where I grew up, and John Downing
of Engine Company 163 also stationed in Woodside, although lived on the
Island, grew up in Woodside, was schooled in St. Sebastian School, and
was buried out of St. Sebastian's Church on Friday.
Mr. Speaker, last Friday I had the opportunity to attend the funeral
of John Downing, and I sat with his family and the families of the
other firefighters that were killed, the Ford and Fahey families. I sat
with his colleagues, including my first cousin, Battalion Chief John
Moran, who was injured in that fire and spent 2 days in the hospital
himself after smoke inhalation trying to recover Mr. Fahey's body.
Mr. Speaker, I was reminded by this experience that the New York City
firefighters were the bravest men and women in the United States.
Heroic action taken by the men and women of

[[Page H3632]]

the New York Fire Department is something that occurs on a daily basis.
To those who worked alongside them, I want to take the opportunity to
say thank you for the job that they do every day. I am heartened to see
the outpouring of sympathy and affection that has been expressed
throughout New York and in my home district of Woodside for these brave
men who fell in the line of duty on Father's Day.
Mr. Speaker, I hope we can let the example of these three heroes
serve as an example for all of us. Mr. Speaker, these heroes made the
ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I know Members join me in
paying tribute to their incredible bravery.
Mr. Speaker, last night my cousin was on Dateline, and he recounted a
saying that he was taught in the department before he took the job. It
goes along the lines of this, the only act of bravery or heroism is the
day that they sign up and take the job in the fire department; every
other day is just a normal, line-of-duty day. That is the attitude
these men and women have.
Mr. Speaker, may God bless them and keep them; and may God bless and
keep their families.

{time} 1145

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. King).
Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues today in
supporting this resolution. I want to commend the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Grucci) for the leadership he has shown on this issue, as he
has shown on so many since he has come to the United States Congress.
Mr. Speaker, the great bravery of these men has been detailed by the
previous speakers today. I have a particular interest in this matter,
because Harry Ford and Brian Fahey are both constituents of mine, Harry
Ford from Long Beach and Brian Fahey from East Rockaway. Each left
behind a wife and three children. They really epitomize what the New
York City Fire Department is all about. Of course, as the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Crowley) said, John Downing grew up in the community
of Woodside, where I also grew up, and which is now so ably represented
by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).
I say this, I make the personal connection only because I think too
often we take for granted that so many of the men and women we know who
are firefighters are doing such a courageous job day in and day out,
and yet we take it for granted; we assume they are going to do the job.
It is only when something as tragic and momentous as this terrible
Father's Day incident occurred, that it drives home to us just how
brave they are, just how much they put their lives on the line, day in
and day out. I cannot imagine what a dangerous job, I cannot imagine
what a tragic death, than what these three firefighters went through.
So I today join with all of my colleagues in expressing not only our
condolences, but also our thanks and gratitude for what firefighters in
New York City, Long Island, throughout our State and throughout our
Nation do.
Every day they put their lives on the line, we are the beneficiaries;
and it is unfortunate that it takes something as tragic as this
Father's Day disaster to remind us of just how deserving these men and
women are of our undying thanks and gratitude.
So, again, I thank the gentleman for introducing the resolution. I am
proud to urge its adoption. I certainly send my best wishes and
condolences to the wives and children of these three brave
firefighters.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my
friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).
(Mr. ISRAEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my distinguished colleague, the
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), as well as my friend and
neighbor, the gentleman from Long Island, New York (Mr. Grucci), for
bringing this resolution to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, even as a new member of the Congressional Fire Services
Caucus, I believe that no Member of Congress' words can adequately
describe the loss that we have suffered. So I would like to include in
the Record today excerpts of a recent Newsday editorial entitled, ``For
Firefighters, Risk of Death Is All in a Day's Work.''
The editorial begins, ``The job has not changed that much over the
years,'' George Burke of the International Association of Firefighters
said yesterday. ``While most people run away from disasters,
firefighters are paid to run straight into them. And for all of the
recent equipment advances, the guarantees of safety are still precious
few. A building filled with working firefighters can suddenly explode
like a bomb. Or a flaming roof can collapse. Or a wooden floor can give
away without warning. All of this may easily explain why fire fighting
is the nation's most dangerous public sector job.
``On Father's Day afternoon three members of the New York Fire
Department, Harry Ford, John Downing and Brian Fahey, died as they
tried to protect residents of Astoria, Queens, from the dangers of a
horrific hardware store fire. All told, the three men leave behind
eight children.
``In addition, two other FDNY members were seriously injured in the
disaster, Joseph Vosilla and Brendan Manning, and some 50 more were
less seriously hurt. This goes with the territory as well. Burke says
40 percent of all firefighters nationally suffer an injury in the line
of duty every year.''
``We have lost 3 very brave firefighters,'' Mayor Rudolph Giuliani
said on Sunday of Ford, Fahey and Downing. ``This is one the most
tragic days that I can remember.''
The mayor is right about that, and I join the rest of the New York
delegation and all Members of Congress in offering my condolences to
the families and fellow workers of these selfless men.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon).
(Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise
and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, I
would not be in this body, I would not be in politics, were it not for
the fire service. I grew up in a firehouse family, and I became
president and chief of my fire company, went back and got a degree in
fire protection and helped train the firefighters from 80 companies
before I came here.
It is tragic that we have to come to talk about the fire service when
we have funerals. I have been to hundreds of firefighter funerals in
this city, in New York, and around the country.
Each year we lose over 100 firefighters. Many of them are volunteers.
Because we have 1.2 million firefighters in the country out of 32,000
departments, each year 100 of them die.
We come today to pay the respects for three more heroes who made the
ultimate sacrifice, three ordinary people doing extraordinary things,
who left behind children, who had dreams. In fact, John Downing was
about to go on his vacation the day after he was killed in that tragic
fire. Harry Ford and Brian Fahey were outstanding professionals in
every sense of the word.
We come today to honor them, and I want to give my highest respect to
their families and to the work they have done.
But that is not enough. We in this body must now recognize that these
brave individuals need our support. We fund $300 billion a year for
international defenders, our military, and I am in the forefront of
that support. We fund $4 billion a year in this body for support of our
law enforcement professionals, even paying for half the cost of their
police vests.
The total funding for the fire service up until last year was zero,
nada, even though we are now asking them to deal with international
incidents, like terrorism. The World Trade Center bombing, which I
attended, was handled with Fire Department firefighters from New York
City.
So I say the highest honor that we can bestow upon these three
individuals is to renew our efforts to increase funding to give the
proper technology to these heroes nationwide. They deserve thermal-
imaging protection. They deserve turnout suits. They deserve the kind
of GPS systems to allow

[[Page H3633]]

their chiefs to know where they are in the building, so they are not
trapped by toxic gasses, so they know what floor they are on.
All of these are within our capability; and as a tribute to these
three people, we should renew our efforts to make sure that happens.
In working with my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Grucci), who has been a tireless advocate for the fire service on Long
Island, I pledge my continued support to make sure we never forget the
legacy of these three brave American heroes.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my
friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner).
Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, tonight as we lay our heads down to sleep,
all across this country and in New York City, we will be tucking in our
children, telling them good-night stories, knowing that they will be
safe until morning.
Well, that is not true for the eight children who lost their fathers
in the blaze on June 17. Frankly, as all of us sleep at night, we do so
sanguine in the knowledge that all across this country, and
particularly in New York City, we have brave men and women who spend
that night watching over us, literally. There is probably no other
profession in the world where a group of men and women sits by the
phone waiting for the worst and most horrific things to happen so they
can jump into duty.
Well, today while we take the opportunity to commemorate the lives of
Brian Fahey, Harry Ford and John Downing, we recognize, of course, that
every day here after and every day so far we have been protected by the
men and women of New York's bravest and all those fire officials all
around the Nation.
Tonight and every other night we might think in our prayers to say
thank you for the firemen and women who protect us, but perhaps this is
an opportunity for us to be reminded that we ought to. Very rarely do
we wake up in the morning and say I want to thank God there was no fire
in my house last night. But we should always remember that, if there
ever is, there is going to be a group of very heroic people who are
requesting to run to that problem.
We do not know the three men very closely that we memorialize today,
but all throughout our country there are others like them. Perhaps this
is an opportunity for us the next time we walk by our local firehouse
to stick our head in and say thank you.
To those eight children who lost their fathers on Father's Day, there
are no words that can comfort you, except that you should know that
your fathers were true American heroes and we in the United States
House of Representatives pay tribute to them today.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding me time. I thank the sponsor of this legislation, and I come
as a friend to the floor of the House.
The last couple of days I have been talking about Houston and the
tragedies that we have faced. In facing those tragedies, the key
element of helping to recover those people who were in need in Houston
were firefighters. So I come today to pay honor to the New York
firefighters, John Downing and Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, who lost
their lives on Father's Day.
This is simply a statement to say that those of us who have grown up
looking at the firefighters as major heroes, tall, now men and women,
still continue to admire them for the sacrifice they make every day on
our behalf.
Firefighters save lives on a daily basis, whether it is resuscitating
a victim; whether it is getting a frightened family out of a burning
building; whether it is dealing with hazardous toxic wastes, and maybe
even putting a smile on someone's face in the well-renowned effort to
save a cat out of a tree. Firefighters are our best friends.
And to those eight children of those wonderful men, might I say to
you that your fathers will continue to be American heroes. How sad that
they lost their lives on Father's Day; but how important it is for us
to never, never forget.
I rise today in support H. Res. 172 which honors New York
firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford who gave
their lives in the service of their community and their country.
On Sunday, June 17, 350 firefighters and numerous police officers
responded to an emergency call at the Long Island General Supply
Company in Queens, NY. During the course of the battle to put out the
blaze, two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured, two of
whom were injured severely. Tragically, three firefighters were killed
in the course of their duty as firefighters: John J. Downing of Ladder
Company 163, a husband, a father of two, and an 11-year veteran; Brian
Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a husband, a father of three, and 14-year
veteran; and finally, Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a husband, a
father of three, and 27-year veteran.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors these great heroes of our
community who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so that we all
may sleep better and safer at night.
This resolution expresses our deepest sympathy for their families of
these brave heroes, and pledges our support and work on behalf of all
of the nation's firefighters.
To all of those who lost in this blaze, the families, and to all the
unspoken heroes who fight for us and risk life and limb each and every
day, this Congress expresses its sincerest gratitude on behalf of the
American people. Your commitment and sacrifice will live on in all of
us forever.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record
information for the memorial for all of our fallen heroes and our
tributes today for our three heroes from New York.

The Memorial, Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO

``somewhere--everyday''

``Somewhere-Everyday'', is the copyrighted title given to
the 17 foot, ``Heroic'' bronze Memorial statute by Artist and
Sculptor Mr. Gary Coulter since it is with this frequency
that somewhere every day Fire Fighters are engaged in acts of
heroism and saving lives. All too often Fire Fighters give
the ultimate sacrifice . . . their lives, in the line of
duty. Mr. Coulter has captured the last step of a successful
rescue while clutching a child safely within sheltering arms.
The rubble of fire forms the base of this magnificent tribute
of dedication and heroism. Mr. Coulter designed, with
purpose, unequal beams of the 17 foot tall ladder. In the
``art'' world, ``unequal, parallel, lines define infinity''.
As Gary stated, Fire Fighters acts of heroism does just that
. . . it will always be that way!
``Somewhere-Everyday'' weighs 2,600 pounds, it's base
extends 40 feet into the ground to bed rock. Somewhere-
Everyday, was delivered to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial
Committee in 1987 after nine months of work and a cost of
$60,000. This remarkable sculpture was dedicated October
15th, 1988.
Behind the Memorial sculpture is the Wall-Of-Honor
containing names of Fire Fighters that have died in the line
of duty since 1976. There have been countless numbers of Fire
Fighters prior to this year that have made the ultimate
sacrifice. 1976 is however when the United States Congress
passed a bill titled the Public Service Officers Benefit and
began real recording of deaths in the line of duty of Fire
Fighters. This does not take away any feelings the
Brotherhood of Fire Fighters. This does not take away any
feelings the Brotherhood of Fire Fighting has for those in
the past that have died-in-the-line-of-duty. It is further
reason to identify, in silent tribute, the immeasurable
numbers of devoted, courageous acts of heroism for accurate
inscriptions.
Fire Fighters are all: Part kid, adult, husband, father, or
even wife or mother. They all are in real life human and have
families. A Fire Fighters's family struggles daily as their
``Hero goes off to work without security in knowing if their
loved one will be hurt before seeing him/her again. They all
know the dangerous profession that has been chosen by their
special person. With every wail or siren, uncertainty tugs at
heart-strings'' in a way that only a Fire Fighters Wife,
Husband, Mother, Father or Family feels. It is to them that
this Memorial is dedicated. Special people . . . caring and
living in a very special way.

``lamentations''

A gallant, noble sacrifice,
a selfless life laid down:
So rare this public servant's worth,
no greater treasure found.
No greater act of decency,
no greater human love,
no greater courage demonstrated
by lives they gave.

This tribute to unselfish hearts
today will testify,
that health and safety have a price,
that firefighters die.
The shadow of this sentinel,
into tomorrow cast,
forever will the gravestones shield
of heroes who have passed.

It bathes their tombs in bravery,
and brands upon our memory
the fight they gave, the cancelled debt,
let town and peoples not forget

[[Page H3634]]

the price they paid to keep us safe,
our lives and homes secure.
We honor these who gave their all
their memories here endure.

--Firehouse Poetry by Lt. Aaron Espy,
L.A.F.F. #2819.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). The time of the gentlewoman
from New York (Mrs. Maloney) has expired.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for
introducing this resolution. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana
(Mr. Burton), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), the chairman of the
Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization; as well as the
ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman
from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Davis), for expediting consideration for this resolution.
I urge all Members to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Nadler).
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me
time.
Mr. Speaker, we are here to pass this resolution honoring John
Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford, who lost their lives on Father's
Day in the course of a tragic fire in New York; but really we are
honoring all firefighters, because there are hundreds of thousands of
firefighters throughout this land, in New York and every other State,
who daily risk their lives; and it is only by accident of fate that
these three people, unfortunately, were killed.
Every firefighter risks his or her life every day of the year for the
safety of all of us, and certainly we ought to honor them and their
sacrifices and their potential sacrifices. We all sleep soundly, and we
take for granted the heroism of these people whose services we might
need at any day. They are not paid as well as they should be, they live
probably in conditions not as well as they ought to, but we all depend
on them for our lives and property; and we ought to honor them and
express our sorrow and our condolences at this loss.
Mr. Speaker, I join in supporting this resolution.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of honoring New York
City firefighters John Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford.
Mr. Speaker, these three brave men made the ultimate sacrifice on
June 17th when they responded to a fire at a hardware store in Queens
in the early afternoon.
Some might have called it a routine call. All three men were veterans
of the department and had between 11 and 27 years of experience in one
of the busiest departments in the country. Undoubtedly they had all
been on this type of call hundreds of times before.
Unfortunately, no call in the fire service is ever really routine.
Every 82 seconds in this country the call for help goes out to
America's fire service. And when that alarm bell rings, the men and
women of the fire service know all too well that the call could be
their last.
Every year in this country we lose about 100 firefighters in the line
of duty. A number that I consider appallingly high. An additional
45,000 firefighters suffer injuries--some of them permanently
debilitating. When you factor in training accidents and injuries
sustained responding to calls, the number tops 88,000.
I did not know firefighters Downing, Fahey, or Ford. But they say
that the measure of a man's character is his service to others. By this
standard these men were giants for the sacrifice they made. I urge all
of my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of House Resolution
172 to honor fallen New York City Firefighters John J. Downing of
Ladder Company 163, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford both of Rescue Company
4. These men made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their sacred
duties this past Father's Day, June 17th fighting a terrible blaze. In
that tragic fire at the Long Island General Supply Company in Queens,
New York our state lost three brave heroes, three dedicated fathers,
and three devoted husbands. Words can not describe the debt of
gratitude we as a nation owe these fine men. I join my Colleagues in
expressing my deepest sympathies to their families.
At 2:20 p.m. that Sunday the alarm came in. As they had done so many
times in the past, for so many years, Firefighters Downing, Fahey and
Ford responded to the call without hesitation. At first, the blaze
appeared to be small and routine. Then as the fire built inside, a
massive explosion erupted turning the 128-year-old store into a heap of
rubble. In the wake of the blast, these three brave men had answered
their final alarm trying to enter the building to do a job they had
accomplished so many times before.
Much like the 1.7 million firefighters across the nation including
the volunteers and paid professionals in my own district in Central New
York, these men and their families knew and accepted the risks
associated with the nature of their work. Each and every day, whenever
the fire whistle blows, fire bell rings, or fire pager sounds, the
firefighters in our country respond in an instant, working to protect
and secure the lives and property of others and ready to make the same
sacrifices that were made in Queens this past Father's Day.
As we honor our fallen heroes from New York City, we must also
remember the brave men and women who fight fires on a daily basis in
our country. From fighting structure fires to rescuing entrapped
victims at motor vehicle accidents, our nation's firefighters are
fearless in practicing the laws of God, as they are brave in protecting
the lives and property of their fellowmen. Firefighters Downing, Fahey,
and Ford took this spirit to the ultimate limit. We are fortunate to
have so many firefighters like these men, firefighters who believe in
what they are doing, and who will fight to the very end for what they
believe. For this, I pay tribute to them as well as to all the brave
firefighters across our nation.
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about issues of
public safety. H. Res. 172, honoring the fallen firefighters from the
Father's Day blaze in New York City, was on the floor this afternoon
commemorating the heroic efforts of those firefighters. John Downing,
Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford were dedicated and experienced firefighters
whose service to the city they loved was truly inspirational.
It strikes me that being a firefighter is one of the most physically
challenging and dangerous professions possible. The men and women who
undertake firefighting as a career are at risk every day trying to keep
their fellow citizens safe from fires but also are responsible for an
ever-growing number of tasks. Today's firefighters are responsible for
hazardous material clean up, response to terrorist threats and
emergencies, and providing information to citizens on fire safety
techniques.
America's colleges let out for the summer recently but not without
some loss of innocence for our children. Fire can affect our kids as
much as it affects the lives of firefighters. I have introduced H.R.
2145, the Campus Fire Prevention Act, in an effort to address the
safety of college students. My legislation will provide funds for the
installation of fire sprinklers and other fire suppression devices in
college dormitories, fraternities and sororities.
Even one death is too many; one injury is too many when it comes to
the safety of our children. The tragedy at Seton Hall University in
1998 opened the eyes of parents and students to the risks of living in
dormitories that had not been outfitted with sprinklers or other fire
suppression. My bill will provide matching funds to a university or
organization that applies given approval by the Department of Education
and the Fire Administration.
This past school year in Ohio there were four students killed in
campus fires. A December fire at the University of Dayton killed one
male student in a house fire in a building owned by the university. In
May 2001, two fires killed students at John Carroll University and Ohio
University. Both students were scheduled to graduate this year.
Unfortunately this is not unique to Ohio, there were fire related
injuries and fatalities throughout America's universities.
I encourage my colleagues to join me in enacting H.R. 2145, it is a
common sense measure that has already gained 43 cosponsors. Data has
demonstrated fire sprinklers work in protecting property and preventing
injury. In buildings with functional fire sprinklers there has not been
a fire resulting in more than two fatalities.
We should honor the fallen firefighters from New York by helping to
prevent future tragedies for firefighters and other innocent Americans.

Talking Points

How often do fires occur in school, college, and university
dormitories and fraternity and sorority houses?
In 1997, the latest year for which national fire statistics are
available, an estimated 1,500 structure fires occurred in school,
college, and university dormitories and fraternity and sorority
housing. These fires resulted in no deaths, 47 injuries, and $7 million
in direct property damage. Between 1993 and 1997, an estimated average
of 1,600 structure fires occurred each year, resulting in eight fatal
fires known to NPFA, representing a total of 16 deaths over the five
years of 1993-1997, 66 injuries, and $8.9 million in direct property
damage per year.

[[Page H3635]]

How many fires occur specifically in fraternity and sorority housing?
Between 1993 and 1997, an annual average of 154 structure fires
occurred in fraternity and sorority houses, resulting in 18 injuries,
and $2.9 million in direct property damage per year.
What are the most common causes of fires at school, college, and
university dormitories and fraternity and sorority housing?
The leading cause of fire in these types of occupancies is incendiary
or suspicious causes. The second and third causes of these on- and off-
campus housing fires are cooking and smoking, respectively.
How often are smoke or fire alarms and fire sprinklers present in
dormitory fires?
In 1997, smoke or fire alarms were present in 93% of all dormitory
fires, but sprinklers were present in only 28% of these fires. These
figures apply only to properties where fires occurred; the overall
fraction of properties with these active systems is probably higher. On
average, direct property damage per fire is 36% lower in dormitory
fires where sprinklers are present compare to those where sprinklers
are not present.
H.R. 2145--the Campus Fire Prevention Act is identical to legislation
introduced in the Senate by Senator John Edwards of North Carolina and
designated S. 399.
The bill is intended to supply money for colleges to retrofit
sprinklers in dorms and allows fraternities and sororities to access
the $100,000,000 in money each year over 5 years.
The bill provides money in the form of federal matching grants for
the installation of fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression
or prevention technologies in college living situations (including
sororities and fraternities).
Priority would be given to any organization applying for the money
from the bill with an inability to fund the fire suppression without
accessing the funds under the bill.
Grants would be administered through the Department of Education in
consultation with the U.S. Fire Administration.
The bill does not mandate using fire sprinkler systems in dorms, only
provides funds for those who would like to make their residents safer.
Currently there are 43 cosponsors to H.R. 2145 and it has received
endorsements from many campus organizations like the College Parents of
America and the National Association of Student Personnel
Administrators.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest
condolences to the families of John J. Downing, Brian Fahon, and Harry
Ford. Each of them will be sorely missed. We are forever in your debt
and can never repay your loss. More than just firefighters, these men
were husbands, fathers, and upstanding members of their communities.
They paid the ultimate sacrifice and taught us a powerful lesson about
honor, bravery, and sacrifice. These are traits that all firefighters
possess. It is a shame that only through such tragedies we recognize
this fact.
They were great firefighters, husbands, and fathers. Since the tragic
June 17 event, America learned of the vibrant and rich lives of these
three men. In the process, we developed a love for them and cried with
their families as they mourned their losses. John J. Downing, an 11-
year veteran, husband and father of two; Brian Fahey, a 14-year
veteran, husband and father of three; Harry Ford, a 27-year veteran,
husband and father of three will not be forgotten. Mr. Downing became
famous for his bravery in the 1992 USAir plane crash into Flushing Bay.
Mr. Fahey was considered one of the fire department's elite, he worked
in the rescue department. Mr. Ford was cited for bravery ten times
during the course of his career, including rescuing a baby from a
burning building. It is clear to everyone they were exceptional at
their job.
These men did not die in vain. Today, as we recognize their bravery,
let us pledge our support to work on behalf of all of the nation's
firefighters who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all
Americans.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with mixed emotions as we pay
tribute to firefighters John J. Downing, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford. As
I stand here I cannot help but feel both sadness and admiration, both
respect and grief. While this tragedy is unfortunately close-to-home
for New Yorkers, people the world over are paying homage to these three
men today.
Sadness, Mr. Speaker; that these brave men's lives were tragically
taken from their families, friends and communities on June 17, 2001
when they dutifully responded to the call to put out a deadly fire that
was destroying the Long Island General Supply Company in Astoria, New
York.
Admiration, Mr. Speaker; for these three firefighters who exemplified
the word: Heroes. These three heroes woke-up every morning, ready and
willing to fight any fire that threatened our community. These three
heroes who worked so that the rest of us could enjoy our lives free
from worry or concern of a deadly fire.
Respect, Mr. Speaker; for these three heroes who were dedicated to a
career as firefighters that required them to work to protect
individuals that they may never have known. When they were called on to
rescue these people from fires, these three heroes did so with the same
commitment that they would feel for protecting their own families.
And grief, Mr. Speaker; for the devoted wives, loving children and
proud communities that are without these three heroes as a result of
this horrific tragedy.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in unity with the entire NY Congressional
delegation and ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives today
to join us in honoring the memory of firefighters John J. Downing,
Brian Fahey and Harry Ford.

{time} 1200

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution
172.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________