HONORING LIVES LOST IN THE KNOWLES FIRE

On 2026-06-30, Representative Jeff Hurd (R-CO-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIVES LOST IN THE KNOWLES FIRE" in the House.

HONORING LIVES LOST IN THE KNOWLES FIRE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4334-H4335] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIVES LOST IN THE KNOWLES FIRE (Mr. HURD of Colorado asked and was given permission to address the [[Page H4335]] House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. HURD of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor three brave wildland firefighters who gave their lives protecting the people of Colorado. Last Friday, Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson were responding to the Knowles fire in western Colorado as members of the Rifle Helitack crew. They answered the call to protect others, and in doing so gave their lives. Emily was from Clinton Township, Michigan. Nick was from Glendale, Arizona. Sydney was from Warrior, Alabama. They came from across our country to serve in Colorado on some of the most challenging terrain in the American West. This is what wildland firefighters do. They go where the need is greatest: into the smoke, into the canyons, and into danger so our communities can remain safe. Today we thank Emily, Nick, and Sydney not only for how they died, but for how they lived: with courage, selflessness, and a commitment to serving others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to keep their families, crewmates, and every firefighter still on the line in our thoughts and prayers. ____________________