Hickenlooper, Bennet, Utah Senators Honor Firefighters Lost

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with Utah Senators John Curtis and Mike Lee, introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring Emily Barker, Nicholas Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, Nathan Matthews, Nicholas Dale, and all those who serve on the front lines of wildland firefighting efforts in the United States.

"The bravery and heroism of these firefighters deserves our deepest gratitude," said Hickenlooper. "Our hearts are with the families and friends of these heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting lives, homes, and the landscapes we all cherish."

"Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and fellow firefighters grieving the loss of the five wildland firefighters who gave their lives protecting others," said Bennet. "Today's resolution honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who risk their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe during wildfires."

"Behind every wildfire are brave men and women who embody the very best of public service: courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities, often at great personal risk," said Curtis. "My heart is with the families, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the devastating loss of these heroes."

"Last month, five courageous firefighters gave their lives to protect the people we love and the frontier we call home," said Lee. "These brave Americans from across the country dropped into the eye of the storm via helicopter to fight the wildfires ripping through Utah's eastern border. Their sacrifice will always be remembered in the lands they protected. Utah's prayers are with the families grieving these heroes."

Hickenlooper recently took to the Senate floor to call on the Department of Interior to investigate the Knowles fire burnover disaster that killed four firefighters and left another hospitalized with severe injuries.

The text of the resolution is available HERE.

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