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Floor Speech

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Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act. Firefighters across Maine and throughout the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their communities, responding to emergencies at all hours to protect the lives and property of others. Tragically, some firefighters make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

When a firefighter falls, the loss is felt not only by his or her family and colleagues but also by the entire community. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was established by Congress in 1992 to honor these heroes, to remember their service, and to provide vital support to the families they leave behind.

As our Nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we are reminded once again of the extraordinary bravery and selflessness of America's first responders who answered the call without hesitation and rushed toward danger to rescue others. On that tragic day, 343 members of the Fire Department of the city of New York died in the line of duty. Since then, firefighters and other emergency responders involved in the response, rescue, and recovery operations have fallen sick because of their service at Ground Zero. Their courage continues to inspire and humble us.

Firefighters risk their lives with every assignment they take. Over the years, the NFFF has recognized the sacrifices of 41 Maine firefighters. This year, the annual event will memorialize one more Mainer, Chief Bobby Dorr of Ellsworth, whose cancer was related to his fire service.

In this spirit of remembrance and gratitude, I call on my colleagues to support the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act, which will recognize and honor our Nation's fallen firefighters with a commemorative coin program to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The commemorative coin program has long been a bipartisan way for Congress to recognize those who have made enduring contributions to our Nation. Authorizing a coin program to honor fallen firefighters and raise funds for programs to help those they leave behind, particularly as we reflect on the legacy of 9/11, is a fitting tribute and a meaningful way for Americans to show their appreciation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to join me in honoring the firefighters who gave their lives in service to others on September 11 and throughout our Nation's history.

Mr. President, I would like to thank my colleagues and fellow Congressional Fire Services Caucus cochairs, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Murkowski, and Senator Peters, for supporting this legislation. I urge the rest of our colleagues to join us in honoring America's bravest. ______

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