Mr. Speaker.

I rise today in support of my colleagues Mr. Grucci and Mrs. Maloney for offering this resolution to memorialize John Downing, Harry Ford and Brian Fahey--three of New York's Bravest.

Mr. Downing, Mr. Ford and Mr. Fahey were members of the New York City Fire Department, who were killed in the line of duty on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17. Each of these men was a decorated veteran, Harry Ford was a 27-year veteran, Brian Fahey had served for 14 years and John Downing had served for 11.

Words alone cannot express the sadness we all feel in the death of these men. I can only begin to express the sympathy I feel for their families, especially the eight children now left fatherless.

Last Friday, I attended the funeral of John Downing. I sat with his family and the families of the other men killed in duty.

I sat with his colleagues, including my own cousin, who worked with him, Brian Fahey and Harry Ford everyday. I was reminded by the experience that New York City Firefighters are some of the bravest men and women in the United States.

Heroic action taken by the men and women of the New York Fire Department is not an occasional event, but something that occurs daily. To those who worked alongside them in their gallant profession, I want to take the opportunity to say "thank you" for the job that you do. Keep up the good work.

I am heartened to see the outpouring of sympathy that has been expressed in New York and across the country for these brave men who fell in the line of duty.

I hope we all can let the example of these three heroes, John Downing, Harry Ford and Brian Fahey serve as an example for all of us. Mr. Speaker, these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I know the entire House joins me in paying tribute to their incredible bravery. May God bless them and their families.