November 8, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 179 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ALEX GRAHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in remembering the life of the District of 
Columbia 2018 Firefighter of the Year, Alex Graham, a 17-year veteran 
of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services 
Department, who died in the line of duty.
  Alex Graham suffered a heart attack while on duty, and later died on 
October 27, 2019, surrounded by family at George Washington University 
Hospital.
  Graham was raised in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended Bowie High 
School. He was a humble and dedicated public servant and technician. As 
a firefighter with Engine 21 in Adams Morgan, known as the Alley Rats, 
he worked to protect the lives of D.C. residents. Graham was known to 
go above and beyond, ensuring that fire station equipment was top 
grade. He meticulously worked behind the scenes, researching equipment 
issues and fixing them, which at times meant traveling from firehouse 
to firehouse restringing 500 ladders.
  For his efforts repairing fire trucks, maintaining ladders and 
managing water flow, Graham was named Firefighter of the Year in 2018. 
While the limelight did not come naturally, the award was undeniably 
well-deserved.
  Graham is an irreplaceable member of Engine 21. He will be remembered 
for his skills, dedication and humility. His death sheds light on the 
tireless work of the department's men and women to protect D.C. 
residents.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
recognizing the life of Alex Graham and his dedication to the safety of 
District of Columbia residents. We remember him with tremendous 
gratitude for his service.

                          ____________________