Bill Pascrell: “we are here to salute brothers Downing, Fahey, and Ford. Too many times, my brothers and sisters here in the Congress…”

“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. 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.”