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]

Gonna miss ya, bud. :o(

[TexanaRED]

I didn't think my heart could hurt anymore after 911, then my cousin's wife's death in an auto accident. I was wrong. This breaks my heart. I always loved reading Chief's posts. I will sorely miss him. His family will be in my prayers.

[Mr_Magoo]

TAPS

R.I.P. my Friend.

[Huck]

This is REALLY sad news. Rest in peace, Mr. Meadows. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[Dog]

Doug can you link the Marine Hymn here..

[d14truth]

[Teacher317]

How very sad. We've lost one of our best.
As many others have posted, he was one of the first names I felt familiar with on FR.

Many heart-felt sympathies to CHIEF'S family.

[Squantos]

Damn ! Why do I suspect that God just learned what a Gig line is.......Bless you Herb and thanks for the things you did for your country and friends here at FR.

Taxman please keep us informed if we can help his family offset any problems financial or not...

And all FReepers please STAY SAFE !

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you for pinging me. I am so sad oh so sad. I can't believe we have lost such a dear friend.

[Tymesup]

Rest in peace, Chief, you were one of the first I corresponded with.

[CFW]

How awful. I loved his thread yesterday. Prayers for his family and for us. We are gonna miss him.

[JustAmy]

I feel awful, I flagged him this A.M. to sign a petition.
My prayers and condolences to his family.

[FormerLurker]

My God. I had just responded to a thread he had posted yesterday, where he said he had been trying to find a way to get back into the Marine Corps.

I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to his family.

Semper Fi brother, and may you rest in Peace.

[ofMagog]

A fond farewell to one of our crew.
R.I.P.

[Pietro]

Condolences & prayers. He was a kind and good man.

[thefactor]

I'll bet he's up there with his .50 cal right now feeling like a 25 year old ready for anything. Ever vigilant, CHIEF.

[Helix]

I am so sorry for you and his family. You are all in my prayers. May God comfort you and welcome him home.

[steveegg]

Sorry about the triple post; am having trouble with my Internet connection (all 3 attempts resulted in a loss of connection to the server)

[Texas Mom]

Chief negotiator was one of the first Freepers I met.. He was such a great guy and will be missed. He always called me Mom.

Good night marine.

We will miss you.

[wingnuts'nbolts]

A patriot , a mentor , has moved on . A ghost on a bigger mission now . I will miss you deeply my friend . God bless you , And may your kentucky windage stay true . Ben