WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding Lt. Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik, who died two years ago today on July 24, 2010, while responding to a fire at 41 Elmwood Ave. in Bridgeport:
“Two years ago today, two brave men gave their lives protecting our community. These men were not just firefighters; they were husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, colleagues, and friends. Indeed, the entire community felt this tragedy and continues to reel from the terrible loss to this day. Theirs was a sacrifice that can never truly be repaid, save for our unrelenting gratitude, appreciation, and support for the dedication and hard work of our nation’s firefighters – work that is too often thankless and dangerous. My heart goes out today to the families of Velasquez and Baik and to the entire Bridgeport community as we collectively mourn the losses of two of Bridgeport’s silent heroes.”