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.

[austingirl]

I am terribly saddened to learn of this. He was a great American.

[ravingnutter]

Prayers on the way from a fellow Texan! I couldn't do anything for a few minutes but sit and stare at the screen in shock when I saw that headline...such a tragic loss!

[Alas]

May the Lord be with his family and friends,

[justshutupandtakeit]

Rats! We are here only by sufference of the Lord. We should always be aware of this.

[OldFriend]

Oh my, readng his post about trying to re-up brought a lump to my throat. He was so patriotic! No doubt he's an active duty MARINE now, joining his brothers in watching over our country. Bless his soul and bless his family and all who loved him.

[wimpycat]

I posted this on his "Sorry Marine--you're too old" thread last night:

"If the Army and the Navy ever looked on Heaven's scene,
they would find the streets are guarded by United States MARINES!"

Looks as though there's one more guard up there! Semper Fidelis.

[Dog Gone]

Oh man, no! I heard the news report this morning but didn't think anything of it. Not CHIEF!!! He had just invited me to play golf.

[dittomom]

I just can't believe it. Absolutely horrible news. We have lost one helluva soldier.

Prayers on the way for Herb and his family.

[Neets]

I can't find anything to say right now..this is just too sad.

Rest in Piece CHIEF....and and thanks for ALL your service, to our great COUNTRY and to FReeRepublic.

[rface]

truely a great loss!!

CHIEF NEGOTIATOR
(peace)
FReeper Member since January 21, 1998

USMC
2nd Force Recon (sniper)
1967 to 1973

..

[ancient_geezer]

One of a kind, and of the select few internet friends I have had the privilege to meet in person.

My memories of that day are full and am most appreciative of those who made that day possible for me.

Herb, was family. I'll miss him as a brother in truth, and as a brother in arms.

Semper Fi good friend!

[citizen]

Prayers and condolences to his family and friends. The CHIEF will be missed.

[Lanman]

One of our own

[patent]

Bump.

[NTegraT]

I am at a loss for words. The Chief was truly my friend and I will miss him. I pray for strength and comfort for his beautiful wife and fine family. We all have lost a true American.

[Teacup]

NO! NO! Taxman, please tell me you made a mistake! OMG! I can not belive this. I am heart broken.

Angelique,Snow Bunny, Cob1, please ping all his freeper friends. I am praying for his family.

Rest in peace you old Marine.

[Aggressive Calvinist]

A huge loss to Free Republic.

R.I.P.

Prayers for his loved ones.

[spunkets]

I was following that thread, this is very sad.

[Alberta's Child]

Semper Fi, and "long may you run."

Alberta's Child

[BossLady]

May he carry the lamp of knowledge and love in other realm as he did for us here at FreeRepublic.

Best wishes and prayers to his loved ones.