DIONNE WALKER
Firehouse.Com News
A resolution presented on the floor of the House of Representatives
Wednesday honoring the three firefighters who died fighting a fire in
Queens, New York Fathers Day, was adopted 424-0 in a floor vote.
Representatives from both Republican and Democrat camps, stood in support of
House Resolution 172, introduced to both encourage more congressional
support of firefighter causes and recognize the efforts of New York City
firefighters Harry Ford, Brian Fahey and John Downing.
The resolution was filed by Rep. Felix Grucci Jr. (NY) just two days after
the deaths, which occurred Father’s Day, June 17. That day, an estimated 350
firefighters responded to what initially appeared to be a routine commercial
fire. Quickly however, the fire grew into a 5-alarm blaze that burned for 12
hours and resulted in numerous firefighter injuries as well as the deaths of
Ford, Fahey and Downing. Since the deaths, which have rocked the city of New
York, Grucci and other congressman have urged the recognition of the
services firefighters perform every day.
"These three men, like all of the men and women who serve as firefighters in
our communities, were heroes in every sense of the word," Grucci said. "We
all sleep a little easier every night, go to work with an easy mind every
day and entrust our children in our schools because we know that men and
women like John Downing, Harry Ford and Brian Fahey stand ready to protect
our lives, our families and our homes."
The resolution elaborated on the particularly dangerous environment the
firefighters encountered that day, pointing out that "all those who
responded to the scene served without reservation and with their personal
safety on the line."
The resolution also extended condolences on behalf of the entire House to
the families of firefighter Ford, Fahey and Downing, as well as pledging to
"support and continue to work on behalf of all the nation’s firefighters who
risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all Americans."
A number of representatives from the Congressional Fire Caucus spoke on the
courage and bravery shown by all those on the scene of the Father’s Day
blaze. Other representatives, many from New York, spoke on the nation’s
obligation to firefighters.
Rep. Michael McNulty (NY) said that though nothing could bring back Ford,
Fahey and Downing, we as a nation can express our gratitude to their
families. McNulty urged all Americans to think of the sacrifices made by
the nation’s firefighters each time they walked by a firehouse, and to pass
along a special message.
"Look them in the eye and say ‘Thank you for putting your life on the line’," McNulty said.
Rep. Curt Weldon, R-PA used the moment to push his agenda for federal
funding for fire departments across the nation. Noting federal expenditures
for law enforcement efforts, Weldon said it was time for Congress to look to
the needs firefighter first responders.
Grucci offered special recognition and implored everyone to honor their
memories. "They lived up to the motto of the New York fire department, New
York’s finest,"
House Resolution 172 107th CONGRESS
Honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives
in the course of duty as firefighters.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 19, 2001
Mr. GRUCCI (for himself, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. KING, Mr. CROWLEY,
Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. GILMAN, Mr. PASCRELL,
Mr. MCHUGH, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. SWEENEY, Mr. WALSH, Mr. FOSSELLA,
and Mr. ACKERMAN) submitted the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
Honoring John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives
in the course of duty as firefighters.
Whereas on June 17, 2001, 350 firefighters and numerous police officers
responded to a 911 call that sent them to Long Island General Supply Company
in Queens, New York;
Whereas a fire and an explosion in a two-story building had turned the
128-year-old, family-owned store into a heap of broken bricks, twisted
metal, and shattered glass;
Whereas all those who responded to the scene served without reservation and
with their personal safety on the line;
Whereas two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured by the blaze,
including firefighters Joseph Vosilla and Brendan Manning who were severely
injured;
Whereas John J. Downing of Ladder Company 163, an 11-year veteran of the
department and resident of Port Jefferson Station, and a husband and father
of two, lost his life in the fire;
Whereas Brian Fahey of Rescue Company 4, a 14-year veteran of the department
and resident of East Rockaway, and a husband and father of three, lost his
life in the fire;
and
Whereas Harry Ford of Rescue Company 4, a 27-year veteran of the department
from Long Beach, and a husband and father of three, lost his life in the
fire:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their
lives in the course of duty as firefighters, and recognizes them for their
bravery and sacrifice;
(2) extends its deepest sympathies to the families of these three brave
heroes; and
(3) pledges its support and to continue to work on behalf of all of the
Nation's firefighters who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of
all Americans.
House Honors Firefighters Killed in New York