Chris Dodd: “I rise briefly to speak for a few moments about the horrible tragedy we witnessed Tuesday morning in Charleston, SC: the…”

“I rise briefly to speak for a few moments about the horrible tragedy we witnessed Tuesday morning in Charleston, SC: the death of nine firefighters: Captain Wiliam ``Billy'' Hutchinson, Captain Mike Benke, Captain Louis Mulkey, Engineer Mark Kelsey, Engineer Bradford ``Billy'' Baity, Assistant Engineer Michael French, Firefighter James ``Earl'' Drayton, Firefighter Brendon Thompson, and Firefighter Melvin Champaign. Clearly, this loss is one of profound sadness for the Charleston community and, indeed, for the entire Nation. My thoughts and prayers go out to these firefighters' loved ones, families, friends, and colleagues. These nine brave men died while fighting a horrific multialarm fire in which two people were ultimately saved. In other words, they selflessly gave their lives while ensuring the safety and well-being of others. This is the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter--a sacrifice that has been made by 3,148 men and women since 1981. We must never forget the dangers firefighters across our Nation dauntlessly face each and every day--dangers that have their roots in nature or mankind.”