[Page H4319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DUSTIN DEFORD

  (Mr. DAINES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DAINES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dustin Deford, a 24-
year-old Montana native who was among the 19 Hotshot firefighters who 
recently died while battling a wildfire in Arizona.
  The son of Reverend Steve and Celeste Deford, Dustin grew up in the 
small town of Ekalaka, Montana, where he was well known for his joyful 
spirit as well as his deep faith in Christ.
  Dustin also had a passion for community service at an early age. In 
fact, he volunteered for the Carter County Rural Fire Department as 
soon as he turned 18 and continued working as a county firefighter 
every summer from 2007 until this year, when he earned a position on 
the Granite Mountain Hotshots in Arizona.
  Cindy and I join all the people of Montana in mourning the loss of 
Dustin and all the brave firefighters who lost their lives on June 30. 
We are keeping Dustin's family and loved ones in our thoughts and 
prayers during this most difficult time.

                          ____________________