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.

[mancini]

Oh my . . . may he rest in peace, and my condolences to you and his family.

[Justin Thyme]

Prayers and sympathies go out to his family. Semper Fi!

[j_tull]

RIP Chief!

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

???

[hispanarepublicana]

His last posts: Sorry Marine -- You're Too Old

My husband and I read this post together last night....we saluted CHIEF.....This is so sad...

[ninachka]

Memory Eternal! My prayers are with him and his family...

[Irma]

OMG....this is such sad news. Rest in peace, Chief.

[buffyt]

I knew Herb, too. I will keep the Meadows family in my prayers. This has been a bad Autumn for Americans and Freepers!

[lowbridge]

Prayers on the way :-(

[mgc1122]

Thanks for letting us know. I remember Herb from WAY WAY back when he & I would post on the CNN board, and one of his favorite expressions was VISUALIZE WHIRLED PEAS. I will miss him, his humor and wish we had more like him. Semper Fi, Herb.

[freedom4ever]

I'm saddened to hear this. I pray for him and his family.

[bootless]

Oh, my God. Prayers and love going out. We will miss you, CHIEF Negotiator...

[MSCASEY]

I am so sorry. Prayers are up.

[maggiesfarm]

My prayers for CHIEF and family.

[Dog]

Ping!

[Molly Pitcher]

This is horrible! One of the first posters I remember from my lurking days....

Please, our Father, accept this newest angel into your kingdom.

[rpierce]

I'll never forget (and none of us should) his contributions and insightful guidance during the days (and nights) of the first Washington Times/Impeachment ad project.

Godspeed Chief.

[Roebucks]

Heavenly Father,

I pray that Herb Meadows, who we knew as CHIEF Negotiator is with you Lord and that is suffering has ended. Lord, lift up his family and be among them as they grieve his loss. This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

[M Kehoe]

Absolutely terrible.

May the Lord hold CHIEF in the palm of His hand.

He will be missed.

5.56mm

[MamaLucci]

Oh NO! Rest in peace(pipe), FRiend.

[MadameAxe]

:-(