CHIEF negotiator dies in east Houston house fire

Houston Chronicle ^ | October 4, 2001 | S.K. BARDWELL

[Taxman]

A 53-year-old man died in an early morning house fire in southeast Houston today.

The man, whose name has not yet been released [I confirmed that this was, indeed, my FRiend, Herb Meadows, known to all of us on FRee Republic by his screen name, "CHIEF negotiator"] was found by Houston firefighters in a bathroom in the rear of his home in the 8000 block of Glencrest, after the house burned about 1:30 a.m.

Firefighters said the man's wife told them she was watching television in the home's living room when she heard a loud pop and her husband shouting from the back of the home.

The woman tried unsuccessfully to rescue her husband, firefighters said. She was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation symptoms.

Firefighters said it appeared the man tried to get out of the burning home, but the heavy smoke entered the bathroom, where he collapsed.

Arson investigators are at the scene of the fire this morning looking for its cause.

[Lazamataz]

OMG! How sad!!!! He just freepmailed me yesterday!!! :o(

[TheRightGuy]

Truly sad. He will be missed. Prayers on the way up.

[Shethink13]

Oh my - how sad! Didn't he recently have a new grandchild? I am in shock and grieving.

[Gritty]

This is terrible news!

Our prayers are with his family.

[eddie willers]

Another sad duty for you Bob.

[Seeking the truth]

A Real American.

Rest in peace.

[Snow Bunny]

You were loved CHIEF our dear friend Herb Meadows and will live in our hearts always. You will be missed forever.

[COB1]

This was the CHIEF's favorite emblem and his favorite song:

Please Click on our Globe and Anchor

May you rest in peace, old buddy.

[harpseal]

I am truly saddened by this news. Condolences and prayers for the cHIEF and his family.

Rest in Peace Chief.

[small voice in the wilderness]

CHIEF negotiator was one of the very best guys. How very sad. My prayers and condolensces go out to his family. I am truly saddened by this.

[Paradox]

Oh no, this is TERRIBLE news...

My heart and prayers go out to his family and close friends. This is just awful.

Please keep us appraised of any further information about the investigation.

[RetiredArmy]

This Marine is now on duty on the front lines of Heaven. Eagles up Patriot. God bless and God speed. All we vets will miss you.

RetiredArmy

4th ID, Vietnam, 1970

[shadeaud]

So sad to hear. May he rest in peace

[bond7]

Prayers for CHIEF and his family.

[LoneGOPinCT]

What a tragic story. I didn't know CHIEF personally or even extensively, but I had the pleasure of exchanging posts with him a few times and read his posts often. Like someone else said, I either learned something or I was entertained.

Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Rest in peace FRiend,
Lone, Mrs.Lone, & family

[DouglasKC]

Oh crap...this is awful. I was just reading his post about being too old for the Marines yesterday...

May God bless his family...

[Ward Smythe]

He will be missed.

[Nimitz]

My God, tell me it isn't so. Tears are flowin' for the CHIEF.....God needed him so God gets him.

[Taxman]

Not a sick joke. True. Too damn true.

[Mama_Bear]

This is very sad news. He will be missed.

Thanks, Syncro, for posting the link to this thread on the CA page.

Prayers going up for his family.