Lynn C. Woolsey: “today I want to talk about a group of Americans that we do not always take the time to recognize, our Nation's first…”

“today I want to talk about a group of Americans that we do not always take the time to recognize, our Nation's first responders. This group of brave men and women are our first line of defense against terrorist attacks and disasters. They are our dedicated firefighters, police, emergency technicians, and health care workers who are the first on the scene when disaster strikes. First responders work around the clock to protect their communities. Unlike most working folks, they are always on call in case of emergency. In fact, many of these dedicated individuals died in the World Trade Center on September 11 because response was so effective they arrived at the scene and were scattered throughout the buildings when the buildings collapsed. As we know, disaster requires the highest level of cooperation between different agencies, meaning the difference between lives lost and lives saved. Because conditions during major disasters are unpredictable, Mr. Speaker, first responders require the most advanced equipment to ensure that they are well protected: equipment including self-contained breathing units, protective clothing for hazardous situation, interoperable radio units so different groups and communities can communicate during a crisis, thermal imaging units so we can determine if people are stuck in buildings or trapped under falling debris, and trained, available health care workers and technicians adequately supplied with vaccines, medicines and provisions.”