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.

[kayak]

Also, sadly, apparently we lost a Freeper in NYC ..... a fireman ..... his screen name was BCM.

#72 and #97 on this thread

My prayers for Chief's family ...... this is such a tragedy.

[Critter]

I was the second, right? :)

CHIEF, you will be sorely missed here on FR. Rest in peace friend. Your wife and family will be in my paryers.

For what it's worth CHIEF, I think you woulda kicked the young punk marines' asses! :)

God bless you, and thank you for your service to America.

[Uncle Sham]

Herb will indeed be missed by those of us left behind to fight the fight. Heaven has gained a new freeper. Our loss is now their gain. Rest in peace, CHIEF negotiator.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Thank you for the ping. He was a brave and honorable man. May God bless his family and friends through this terrible time. I am just heartbroken.

[alieno nomine]

TE lucis ante terminum, rerum Creator, poscimus ut pro tua clementia sis praesul et custodia.

TO Thee, before the close of day Creator of the world, we pray that with Thy wonted favor, Thou wouldst be our Guard and Keeper now.

[telos]

Sometimes goodness shines forth. I pray St. Peter open the Gate for this good man.
May you have joy in Heaven, Chief.

[UScbass]

A true American and a real human being. His loss is sad; he left us better for the time we had him; condolensces to his family.

[martian_22]

The CHIEF's spirit will live on...
Semper Fi CHIEF negotiator.

[Topaz]

I am very sad to hear this. CHIEF Negotiator was a good guy and a friend. God be with him.

[Mudbug]

Terrible news. My prayers are with him and his family.

[JudyB1938]

I'd already been crying all morning, because I just learned that Alamo-Girl's sister died. Now I read this and find out the Chief died. This is so awful. And it brings back memories of Old Atlanta who I loved so much and now has me crying even more.

Please, Mr_Magoo, get with whoever it is to update the FReeper Memorial Wall. We must never forget those who have served their country well.

[Admin Moderator]

Thread II

[BornOnTheFourth]

Oh my! I was just on his Marine thread before going to a meeting. My heart is grieved by this news. God bless his family--my prayers are with them.

[sugar_puddin]

How sad. :( Prayers going up for his family and friends. May God bring comfort to them during this difficult time.

[Liberal Classic]

Semper Fidelis, CHIEF negotiator.

[ScreamingFist]

Post no second threads, let this be the longest FR thread ever and a tribute to the CHIEF.

[ScreamingFist]

Marine down brother.

[LavaDog]

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Semper Fi, Marine

[Bigun]

There are no words to describe my fellings at this moment! My FRiend, soul mate, fellow patriot, and golfing buddy is GONE!

What WILL I do?