Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Captain Eric Balliet of the Fort Wayne Fire Department. Service to his community and compassion were qualities that defined Eric's life. Eric was a 19-year veteran with the Fort Wayne Fire Department who devoted his life to the Fort Wayne community. A compassionate and devout father, husband, friend, and leader, Eric was someone whom everyone knew and loved in the community. He will be remembered as a hero. On September 27, 2017, Eric was leading a training exercise. After performing the physically demanding drill, Eric suffered a heart attack and passed away. He led the fire department as a captain, and Fire Chief Eric Lahey called Eric's passing ``a great loss for the Fort Wayne fire department.'' Lahey also said, ``He was a good firefighter. A good man. We're going to miss him.'' At the time of his passing, Eric was eligible and scheduled for promotion to the rank of battalion chief and was promoted posthumously to that rank. He put his life on the line so that Hoosiers could have the chance to live in peace and safety, and we are eternally grateful. Eric was born and raised in Fort Wayne. He graduated from Northrop High School in 1994 and earned an associate's degree from Ivy Tech.…”