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.

[illstillbe]

Oh no ...

CHIEF was the one who pulled me out of lurker mode with his shining example of Patriotism ... stunning love of our Country .... humor ... dedication.

I am just heartsick, I am.

Be at peace, sir. You always were one of His soldiers .... you'll never be forgotten.

[rabidralph]

I'm sorry to hear this, Taxman. I will keep you and his family in my prayers.

[Geronimo]

Very sad news. God rest his soul...

[TheOtherOne]

My thoughts are with him and his family.

[Scott from the Left Coast]

Very sad. His posts were entertaining, inciteful, and often with a nice wry touch of humor. I didn't know the man, but feel we've lost something good.

[COB1]

TAPS

FAREWELL, MY FRIEND.

[The Raven]

Oh my goodness. This is terrible

[glock rocks]

mercy.

a prayer of healing and comfort for his wife and family.

[Osinski]

I am so sorry to hear this. Godspeed to Chief Negotiator and blessings to his family and friends.

[dandelion]

This is horrible - what a loss for all who knew him. Are there any family needs we can help with? Is there anything his wife has need of we may provide?

Thank you Father, for sending good men to this earth - we gratefully give CHIEF NEGOTIATOR back to you now, with praise.

Well, it looks like CHIEF NEGOTIATOR has joined the Marines again after all...
"if the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines"...

[cyn]

had you all seen this? unbelievable!

[Teacup]

Some very sad news. Prayers for his wife and family.

[COB1]

TAPS

FAREWELL, MY FRIEND.

[Snow Bunny]

I thought you would want to know. It is a very sad day .

[eureka!]

I did not see this till Laz's order. I am speechless. Prayers for CHIEF negotiator and his family...

[cyn]

I see you now. So sorry about this loss to family and to FR and country.

[SunnyUsa]

Beautiful.......You are a true friend!

[pigdog]

I just received the sad, unbelievable news. My prayers and thoughts are with Herb and his family. Let's hope the inevitable investigation will turn up whoever might be behind the tragic event.

Herb was truly one of the one in a million guys you hear about and it was a great, great privilege to have known him. There will be many on FR who will miss him - and his wonderful sense of humor - even many of those who so bitterly opposed him sometimes.

He will always be remembered as someone who tried to make a difference for the better - and was doing so.

My heart weeps for a wonderful life cut so short ...

Little Willie was "The Worst President In American History".

[Snow Bunny]

I thought you would want to know. I can'r stop crying for our loss. CHIEF was such a special person.

[SLB]

Taps please.