Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise to honor a fallen hero, David or ``Dave'' Ruhl of Rapid City, SD. Dave was an engine captain on the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest near Rapid City. Since June 14, Dave had been serving our country on a temporary assignment as the assistant fire management officer on the Big Valley Ranger District on the Modoc National Forest near Adin, CA. Dave had been bravely and selflessly fighting the Frog Fire near Alturas, CA, along with many other firefighters who were risking their lives to protect the people and communities near that fire incident. Friends say he took this voluntary assignment to learn more about firefighting and improve his skills because he was so passionate about his profession. Tragically, the team lost contact with Dave on Thursday evening, July 30. Search and rescue teams worked diligently to locate Dave with the hope that he would be found safe. Sadly, Dave did not survive. An investigation will reveal details about this very unfortunate and tragic loss of life, and there will be a learning which comes from this. His death is a great loss to the State of South Dakota, and his legacy and heroism will not be forgotten. Dave will be memorialized forever on the South Dakota Firefighter Memorial in Pierre, his name etched in history for all to honor. Professionally, Dave will be remembered as a passionate, knowledgeable, and well-trained firefighter.…”