Vito Fossella: “I commend my friend from Long Island, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for bringing this resolution to the…”

“I commend my friend from Long Island, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, for those of us who honored our fathers on Father's Day, it was pouring rain that day. The whole morning looked like the day was going to be ruined. About 2:00 the sun came out in Staten Island and worked its way eastward. There was a call in Queens about that time, and it seemed to be a routine fire. It did not look like it was a big deal until we discovered the news which has been echoed here, that three brave firemen lost their lives. The purpose here today is to take a moment to honor those men who bravely gave their lives; and to say to the other firemen that their brothers did not die in vain. Their families who survived, the children, our hearts and prayers go out to them; and I hope through their faith they are able to come through this tragedy with the knowledge that others share their grief. Mr. Speaker, the New York Fire Department in particular is a wonderful resource. In Staten Island, we have lost too many firefighters: Captain John Drennan, Scott Lapedera, George Lenner, Chris Sidenberg. These are young heroes who died way before their time. Mr. Speaker, so to the families especially, know that Members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, really honor what those brave men did; and we will miss them.”