Tribute To The Late Brian D. Myers, Sr.

Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, it's with the deepest sorrow that I note the loss of a volunteer fireman in the line of duty in our district on the first day of the year. Brian D. Myers, Sr., was a hero in every sense of the word. They are all heroes, these men and women from all walks of life who give so generously of their time and who, as Brian Myers' loss reminds us, risk their lives to give their rural communities outstanding fire protection. Brian Myers, Sr., was a member of the Schuyler Hose Co., which responded to a restaurant fire on New Year's Day. The details are still not known, but we do know that Myers was last seen inside the burning structure fighting the blaze. His son, Brian Jr., and another fireman were also injured. Mr. Speaker, as a former volunteer fireman myself in my hometown of Queensbury for over 20 years, I know the sacrifices these volunteers make. Every year, they save countless lives and billions of dollars worth of property in New York State alone. Their dedication is matched by their increasing professionalism. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. Tragically, our debt to Brian Myers, Sr., cannot be repaid. Typical of volunteer firemen, Myers was active in other community endeavors, especially at his church. He will be missed by his family, his fire company, and his community. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in expressing heartfelt condolences to his widow, Ronalee, and the rest of the family, and a posthumous salute to a fallen hero, Brian D. Myers, Sr., of Schuylerville, NY.