[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE FIRE CHIEF JACK FOWLER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor a life spent serving others, the life of Jack Fowler, Jr. Jack 
was a man that selflessly dedicated his life to protecting the lives of 
others. On Sunday, June 24, 2001, Jack was killed on his way home from 
a training session with the Volunteer Fire Department of West Pueblo.
  Jack was born in the nearby community of La Junta. He graduated from 
La Junta High School, and started his career as a firefighter at the La 
Junta Volunteer Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his 
father and grandfather. After moving to Pueblo West in 1978, Jack then 
joined the Pueblo West Volunteer Fire Department where he was quickly 
promoted to Lieutenant. After serving only two short years on the 
Pueblo West squad, Jack was named Captain. Not only did Jack fulfill 
his duties as Captain, but went above and beyond these duties, by 
taking many courses that enhanced his career, Highway Emergency 
Response, Colorado Division of Disaster Emergency Services, and 
Emergency Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents to name a few. With 
all the extra time Jack put into his position at the Pueblo West Fire 
Department, he was the obvious choice for Fire Chief in 1983.
  The dedication to his community did not stop with his position on the 
Fire Department, Jack also volunteered with the Columbine Council Girl 
Scouts and spent time at the local schools. Jack loved to spend time 
with his daughters, Allison and Caitlyn, so he never missed an 
opportunity to volunteer for activities the girls were involved with. 
Jack balanced his commitment to his community and his family well. This 
charismatic man was loved by all that knew him. His dedication to 
Pueblo West and its citizens has left a lasting mark on the community, 
not to mention the State.
  A life dedicated to the service of others, is why I stand before you 
today, Mr. Speaker, asking Congress to give this man the recognition he 
so justly deserves. He will be greatly missed by friends, fellow fire 
fighters and his family, but the State of Colorado will also feel the 
loss of this man. I would like to offer my condolences to his wife 
DyAnn and his daughters Allison and Caitlyn, and assure them that Jack 
Fowler, Jr. will not be forgotten by Pueblo County and the State of 
Colorado.

                          ____________________