[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E57-E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO FIREFIGHTER JAMES B. WILLIAMS
______
HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 23, 1996
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a
courageous public citizen, Mr. James B. Williams, a firefighter who
faithfully served the community of Far Rockaway for 12 years until he
lost his life on January 5, 1996, in a raging fire. Among his
colleagues, Mr. Williams was admired and respected as one of the best
firefighters in New York. Many of his comrades from Ladder Company 121
worked with him side by side for many years, often placing their trust
in Mr. Williams to save their own lives when caught in danger. Most
importantly, the people of Far Rockaway remember him best as a man who
fearlessly devoted his life to saving the lives of many Queens
residents. His remarkable record of service to the Rockaways has been
duly recognized as he received several accolades for his bravery. These
honors include two citations of merit in 1991 from the New York Fire
Department's Holy Name Society for saving the life of a 43-year-old
man, and for rescuing two young children trapped in a smoke-filled
apartment building.
During that windy and blustery night of January 5, Mr. Williams made
the extra effort to search for any victims left behind in a burning
apartment building. During this act of valor, Mr. Williams lost his
life. Capt. John T. Rokee and Brian Gallagher, who accompanied Mr.
Williams into the blaze, described it as a blowtorch of flames, making
the mission especially treacherous. Yet James Williams charged on.
Mr. Williams, killed in the line of duty at the age of 38, will be
remembered as an American hero who made an indelible impression on
those who witnessed his indomitable will to help others. The legacy of
Mr. Williams' bravery on that chilly night will certainly live on among
his family, friends, and neighbors. I offer my condolences to his wife
and children as they proudly revere the memory of their courageous
father and husband. He was a true leader who served our community with
the utmost distinction. I ask my colleagues to join me and the people
of Queens in observing a moment of silence to honor the tireless energy
and courage of Mr. James Williams. He will live long in all of our
hearts and minds.
[[Page E58]]
HONORING ARTHUR T. BARBIERI ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 23, 1996
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, New Haven Democratic Town
Chairman Arthur T. Barbieri will celebrate his 80th birthday. It is
with great pleasure that I rise today to salute this incredible
individual, who has contributed so much to the city of New Haven.
Born and raised in New Haven, Arthur Barbieri began his career in
public service in 1951, when he was elected to the position of town
clerk. Two years later, at the age of 37, he became the youngest New
Haven Democratic chairman ever, a position he would hold for the next
22 years. During this time, Arthur earned a sterling reputation for his
skill in advocating for and developing programs that would benefit the
city. The renovation of the New Haven Coliseum, the Connecticut Tennis
Center, and the children's hospital at Yale-New Haven are a living
legacy to Arthur Barbieri's commitment to rejuvenating his beloved
hometown. In 1988, after the death of Town Chairman Vincent Mauro,
Arthur once again heeded the call of both his party and his city, and
resumed the position of town chairman. Arthur also continues to serve
as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, providing, as
always, sage advice and insightful leadership.
Arthur Barbieri has been an inspiration and a mentor to me over the
years and also worked closely with my mother and father, Alderman and
Alderwoman Ted and Luisa DeLauro. On a few occasions we found ourselves
on opposite sides of an issue, but no one ever doubted his wisdom,
leadership, and commitment to the city of New Haven. Indeed, it is
difficult to measure the magnitude of Arthur's contributions, for he
has played a major role in so many different projects and has guided
the careers of so many local, State, and Federal officials, including
President Clinton.
It is with great pleasure that I commend Arthur T. Barbieri for a
lifetime of achievement. I join his wife, Marion, his family, and his
many friends in wishing Arthur a very happy 80th birthday. Arthur truly
embodies the past, present, and future of New Haven politics, and it is
deepest hope that we will have the benefit of his wisdom and kindness
for many more years to come.
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