Jon L. Christensen: “certainly, nothing will memorialize the courageous and outstanding firefighters of this nation, more than the vivid…”

“certainly, nothing will memorialize the courageous and outstanding firefighters of this nation, more than the vivid pictures of them responding so selflessly, endangering and too often sacrificing their own lives to save those placed in peril by the terrorists actions of September 11th. Their heroism continues even today, and will be evident far into the future in their addressing of this tragedy as it is in the everyday lives of all Americans. I am proud of the work of our Virgin Island firefighters, who have worked tirelessly and with inadequate and substandard equipment to protect the property and the lives of my constituents. That is why our offices worked so hard to bring them badly needed equipment dollars. I thank FEMA for hearing our pleas, and providing close to $1 million to provide the tools they need to do the job they have committed themselves to. We are deeply and forever indebted to the over 300 firefighters who did not make it out of the World Trade building and eventual debris alive. We are also indebted to their families. I also thank the VI firefighters for their raising funds for their families and traveling to New York City to offer support and help. We also today and this week remember all of our nation's firemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty.”